LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



□ 000m053&i 



BROOK BY THE WAY; 



EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY 



HANNAH KILHAM, 



LONDON: 

CHARLES GILPIX, 5, BISHOPSGATE STREET, WITHOUT. 
1844. 




LONDON : 
RICHARD BARRETT, PRINTER, 
MARK LANE. 

104837 
'07. 



The Editor being absent from England, I 
have been requested to superintend the printing 
of this little 'work of my late highly valued f riend, 
Hannah Kilham, and having I hope reaped 
considerable benefit from its careful perusal, I 
feel constrained cordially to recommend it to 
Christians of all denominations. 

John S. Reynolds. 



Lovjer Heath, 
Mam_pstead, 
2oth May, 1814, 



A BROOK BY THE WAY. 



Jan, 1, 1797. — Blessed, ever blessed be 
God that there is balm in Gilead; — there 
is a physician there : and the wounds, 
however deadly, of the children of men 
may be healed. It is now a little more 
than twelve months since I first knew the 
salvation which is in Jesus. A year of 
mercies indeed it has been ; my soul has 
been borne up by the Spirit of God, and 
kept from sinking into nature's darkness. 

My petition at the throne of Heaven 
to-day is, that in all things I may have 
a single eye to the glory of God. I feel 
at present a particular need to pray for 



4 



A BROOK 



this. 0 ! that I may always have cause 
to rejoice that the Lord knows the most 
secret thoughts of my heart. I adored 
that God who requireth truth in the in- 
ward parts. Search and try me, 0 Lord, 
and grant that in all things nothing may 
I see — nothing desire or seek, but Thee ! 

May the Lord enable me to choose the 
path that shall be most for His glory and 
the peace of those around me ; whether, 
in so doing, my natural inclinations be 
gratified or crucified. But I would leave 
to-morrow — may the Lord help me to 
live to Him the present moment. 

I think a degree of self-confidence has 
crept into my spirit. It is not anything 
we feel ; — not energy, nor anything else, in 
which we may rest, but in Christ Jesus. 

An observation of Dr. Whitehead's 
appears to me worthy of remembrance, 



BY THE WAY. 



5 



it is something to this effect. If the 
influences of the Spirit were always im- 
plicitly yielded to, its operations would 
be as punctual and universal as the ope- 
rations of nature. 

When we are led to wonder why such 
and such things are suffered on the earth, 
let us remember, that if man were not 
allowed to follow his own will, but were 
forcibly compelled to work righteousness, 
it would be obedience to necessity, and not 
to God. 

If we be but with Christ in the end, 
what matters it, if we are to go through 
constant darkness and gloom all the way 
to Heaven? But, blessed be God, we do 
not do that, for Jesus becomes to us — the 
light of life. 

I accompanied a few friends to see Mr. 
Walker's orrery. There are, who entirely 



6 



A BROOK 



disapprove of this kind of pursuit ; but 
my opinion is, that whatever tends to en- 
large our views of God, either in respect 
to His power or His goodness, cannot but 
be right. But, 0 ! how far do the most 
complete philosophers fall short in their 
knowledge, even of created — of visible 
things ! Then why should we wonder 
that none but God can teach us spiritual 
things I The farther a true philosopher 
goes in his researches into nature, the 
more he is convinced of the contracted- 
ness of his understanding; and the more 
a Christian knows of Jesus, the more he is 
convinced there are heights and depths in 
the eternal, incarnate God, which surpass 
our knowledge. I felt great peace while I 
reflected on God being everywhere present 
and influencing all things. When I con- 
sidered the majesty of God in creation, I 
was indeed struck with aw r e ; but this 
passage came with comfort to my mind : 
" Will He plead against me with His great 



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7 



power I No : but He will put strength in 
me." 

Why is it, gracious Lord, that I feel 
this instability of mind I Why is my 
heart so prone to leave the God I love? 
Is there anything on earth I desire in 
comparison of Thee I 0 ! no : and yet my 
heart is not always alive to God, I am 
often in bondage, and there are moments 
when I seem hardly susceptible of divine 
impressions. I endeavour to find out the 
cause, and unnumbered acts of disobedience 
rise up before me, and my conscience tells 
me, these are they which cloud my mind, 
and darken my view of that great Being 
who is Israel's light. 44 My peace might 
have flowed as a river, and my righteous- 
ness have been as the waves of the sea," 
had I not still been hang-ino; back from 
God, and in many things cleaving to my 
old nature. By repeated instances of trifling 
and disobedience in little things, if any 



s 



A BROOK 



act of disobedience can be called little 
which weakens the powers of my soul, and 
makes my mind more vulnerable to the 
darts of Satan, I lose that energy of faith 
which opens Heaven ; and I feel unhappy, 
because when I in any measure lose sight 
of my Lord, I find there is nothing but 
confusion and darkness for me. I then 
act in a measure of bondage instead of 
liberty : " To will is present with me 
but my performance of that which is good 
is feeble. Many things, such as writing, 
visiting the sick, &c, are neglected or put 
off, till the season becomes less favour- 
able ; and sometimes long delays will ren- 
der one's endeavours to do good quite 
ineffectual. I am often unfaithful to God, 
and of course my strength begins to fail ; 
and then, instead of returning at once to 
the blood of sprinkling, I stand poring 
over my temptations, my unworthiness, 
and so on, till I sink into myself, and 
become weaker and weaker. I lament 



BY THE WAY. 



9 



this inconsistency of conduct. Do, gra- 
cious Lord, give me power to overcome 
it. I know that by Thy Spirit, through 
faith in Jesus, I may every moment be 
conqueror. 

For some time past I have been dis- 
tressed with great temptations to general 
unbelief. It has been suggested : — " If 
thou wert quite sure of everything thou 
professest to believe concerning God, eter- 
nity, &c, thou mightest then act with 
vigour and confidence ; but now thou wilt 
still have the pain of thinking ;— Should all 
prove vain and shadowy at last ? and this 
thought will damp thy joys, weaken the 
energy of thy mind, and prevent thee 
from ever being completely happy." In 
a short time the Lord interposed in my 
behalf, and sent a strong and clear light 
upon my mind : He gave me to feel that 
He loves me, and that I have not followed 
a cunningly-devised fable : I turn to Him 



10 



A BROOK 



with something like contrition of heart, 
and say : Lord, Thou knowest me ! Have 
I grieved Thee? Have I wronged Thy 
goodness ? Have I for a moment doubted 
of Thy truth ? This fear distresses me. 
Thou, Lord, hast given me such repeated 
proofs — such striking confirmations of Thy 
truth and love, that it were horrid ingra- 
titude to doubt Thee. But, no ! J esus 
triumphs, — were there no conflict, there 
could be no conquest. In the time of 
deep temptation may I turn to Thee, my 
deliverer and my all ! 

How wonderful it is, that God should 
constantly hold the reins of government 
in His hands, and yet man's free agency 
be preserved. 

In a sermon I heard lately, the preacher 
remarked, that when we speak of the 
Almighty as having hands, wings, &c, 
it must always be understood as merely 



BY THE WAY. 



11 



figurative. In order to comprehend what 
is meant by resting under the shadow of 
his wings, he observed, you may remem- 
ber having seen a hen gathering her brood 
under her wings, to revive them when 
faint and drooping ; and when they have 
remained there some time, you will see 
them come away, cheered and refreshed 
by the comfortable and nourishing heat 
she communicates from her own nature. 
She will likewise, during a storm, give 
them shelter and protection under the 
shadow of her wing. So with us, when we 
are drooping and faint, Jehovah spreads 
his attributes as wings over us ; He com- 
municates support from Himself to revive 
our souls. If we want strength, we derive 
it from His power ; if light, from His wis- 
dom ; love, from His goodness ; and so on. 
When we need shelter from the storms of 
life, we find it under the attributes of God. 

I was shocked at the unfeeling manner 



12 



A BROOK 



in which I offered, and generally do offer 
my evening sacrifice. We retire rather 
late, and I am often wearied and sleepy, 
and just repeat the petitions, or perhaps, 
thanksgivings, that come into my mind, 
with nearly as little faith, or feeling, as 
though I were running over a form of 
prayer for the sake of it. 0 God ! be 
merciful to me, do not suffer me to use 
Thy name in this unhallowed manner. 
Justly miolitest Thou have sent total 
darkness over my soul. But, 0 ! quicken 
me, rouse my drowsy powers, and help me 
from this hour to offer every act of worship, 
not with my lips only, but do Thou engage 
every power of my soul. 0 ! that I might 
adorn the doctrines of God my Saviour in 
all things — I want not only to be saved 
from every thing sinful, but from all that 
is trifling and inconsistent with the spirit 
of Christianity. 

Though I am broken off in great mea- 



13 Y THE WAY. 



13 



sure from human dependencies, and expect 
not perfect enjoyment in anything this 
world can afford, I still feel thankful that 
I have friends whom I love, and who I 
trust will join me in giving glory to G-od 
beyond the grave. I am conscious, that 
on God, and on him alone, depends our 
happiness. I would not cast aside His 
mercies as it were in disgust, and be- 
cause He has seen it good to take away 
from me one whom I considered dear as 
my own soul, I would not on this account 
sink into an ungrateful stupor of mind, 
and refuse the blessings which vet remain. 

I have always thought, since I began 
to reflect with seriousness, that the exer- 
cise of the affections was one of the greatest 
sources of our happiness ; and while my 
husband lived, the comfort I felt in my 
attachment to ? him was such, as made 
me ready to wonder why life had been 
painted in such gloomy colours. We had 

B 



14 



A BROOK 



perfect confidence in each other, an affec- 
tion which constantly united us as the 
heart of one, and it was the remem- 
brance of what I experienced in this 
union, which caused me to say, when 
he was dying, " If a human being 
could have given happiness, thou hast 
given it to me." But the Lord has 
seen it good to make me an example 
of the uncertainty of human happiness. 
Mine was short as the enjoyment had 
been great ; and then I felt from ex- 
perience the force of one of Saurin's 
observations, " The world appeared to 
me as an universal solitude, and the 
universe, the whole universe, a desert 
uninhabited and uninhabitable." Where 
would my soul have found refuge, but 
for the blessed truths of religion ? The 
Lord gave me power to believe through 
the dark and gloomy day, and though 
clouds surrounded Him and his footsteps 
were in the great deep, I could not 



BY THE WAY. 



15 



doubt the heavenly truth that " God is 
love." I was made sensible too, that 
there is no weakness in the love of 
God, but that He will act towards us 
in that way which will best promote our 
eternal welfare, whether it be consistent 
with our present gratification or not. 
Yet notwithstanding this, my mind was, 
for a few 7 days, often confused, or rather 
clouded. I could not think why my dear 
friend should have been taken aw r ay so soon 
and so suddenly. On the Monday evening, 
the night before my husband was buried, 
as I went into the Meeting, Mr. G. 
was giving out that verse of Cowper's : — 

" Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 
But trust Him for His grace." 

My mind w T as in a moment relieved 
from that degree of oppression I had 
before experienced. I saw it was impos- 
sible for us to understand all the ways of 
God, or by our own feeble powers, make 



16 



A BROOK 



a just estimate of His dealings in every 
instance with the children of men. I 
sought therefore to cast myself and my 
all upon the Lord with the unbounded 
confidence, which his faithfulness demands. 
Yet, though I had confidence in God. and 
knew He would do all things well, though 
1 could look forward to a better world, 
and found a satisfaction and brightness 
in the prospect, such as I had been almost 
a stranger to till now ; my mind never- 
theless was often led . to reflect on a kind 
of grateful joy, which I had sometimes 
in past days experienced, but could not 
now regain. I had formerly, on many 
occasions, experienced much of the pre- 
sence of the Lord, while singing the 
covenant or birth-day hymn, and when 
we had repeated — 

" I bless the Lord that I was born/' 

my soul felt what I said, and my heart was 
raised in thankfulness to God for his good- 



BY THE WAY. 17 

ness in having given me existence. But 
now when I heard this hymn, I found no 
heart to join in the grateful acknowledg- 
ment as formerly. In my days of pros- 
perity and human enjoyment, the idea of 
these blessings was so mingled with my 
thankfulness to God, that now the greatest 
of them being taken away, my mind was by 
this means made less sensible of the rest. 
I could not find the same spirit of praise I 
had formerly done. My soul was much 
exercised in various ways. Sometimes I 
feared I had loved my husband too much, 
and that the Lord saw his continuance in 
the world would have endangered the pros- 
perity of my soul, and had therefore called 
him away. Sometimes I thought with 
pain of his having had such a life of 
labour and in some respects of suffering; 
the cheerfulness and vigour of his mind 
were beyond the strength of his body ; 
and I think it cannot be doubted by any 
one who knew him, that his uncommon 

b 2 



18 



\ BROOK 



labours hastened his death. I believe the 
journey into Wales hurt him a good deal. 
When he returned, he appeared much worn 
out, and was hardly ever refreshed by sleep. 
My mind was much depressed the day he 
set out. I had always dreaded that journey 
more than any one he had taken, because 
it was so long, and quite among strangers. 
On the morning he left, I said to a friend, 
" If I were superstitious, I should think 
my husband were going to die, and that 
I should never see him again. " The same 
apprehension dwelt very much on my mind 
the last few days of his absence, but with 
thankfulness we met him at the appointed 
time. The Lord, however, for reasons 
beyond our understanding, called him away 
in less than three weeks. 

I was saying a little while since, that 
" my mind had been painfully exercised 
many ways." The recollection of any 
instance wherein I had been the cause 



BY THE WAY. 



19 



of giving ray husband pain, has dis- 
tressed me beyond what any one can 
conceive ; I cannot reproach myself with 
ever having designedly grieved him in 
any respect ; but I lament that I was 
not more active and unremitting in my 
attention to his happiness. The instances 
wherein by neglect or delay I have given 
him pain, or cause of complaint, dwell 
on my mind at times in such a way. 
that I am ready to sink into melancholy. 
But when I remember how contrary this 
would be to my husband's wish, and 
how much against the will of Grod, how 
much it will be likely to hurt my soul 
and prevent my having any power to pro- 
mote the happiness of those around me, 
I feel it my duty to look to God for 
deliYerance ; and though I cannot recall 
the past, endeaYOur to seek refuge from 
myself, and a conformity to the will of 
God in all my future ways. That he 
was fully prepared to meet death cannot be 



20 



A BROOK 



doubted ; and I remember with thankful- 
ness, the calm assurance with which he 
expressed his willingness to die, at a time 
when there was every reason to believe he 
would have continued with us. I mean on 
the night before his death, when he ap- 
peared in a great measure free from every 
complaint. 

The Scriptures speak the truth of this 
world as a wilderness, a vale of tears, and 
everything conspires to assure me, that the 
Lord has only placed us here to prepare us 
for a better country. I can now through 
the grace of God look forward to " immor- 
tality and eternal life," and in this prospect 
my soul rises above its present sufferings, 
and I can feelingly say, 

" I bless the Lord that I was born." 

Though sorrow should mark mypath through 
every stage in this short scene of things, 
what is there to complain of? If Jesus re- 



BY THE WAY. 



21 



ceive our souls at last, we may be borne 
through all without sinking — without for a 
moment ceasing to remember that God 
ruleth over all, and cares for us even more 
than we care for ourselves. 

A s we followed the body of my husband 
to the grave, while they sang ; 

" Our brother the haven has gained, 
Outflying the tempest and wind," &c. 

you know not how the clouds dispersed from 
my mind. The Lord gave me such a 
view of the brightness of another w r orld, 
and of the glorious change my husband 
had experienced, that I found power at 
that moment to lose my sorrows in his 
joy, Truly the Lord is our salvation. 

My mind enjoys much consolation and 
relief, when I am persuaded I am doing 
the will of God, though often suffering from 
a sense of want in this respect. I would 



A BROOK 



live with death in my view, and I believe 
in this prospect my soul may gather strength 
daily. I find through mercy, a constant 
power to say, " Good is the will of the Lord," 
I never had cause to doubt of this truth, 
and I trust through all the changing scenes 
of life, I shall still find Jesus to be the 
anchor of my soul. I have only to endea- 
vour in simplicity and sincerity of heart, 
to make the approbation of my Heavenly 
Father the object of my constant atten- 
tion, and at the same time, by my life and 
conversation to commend myself to every 
man's conscience in the sight of God. 

It will be allowed without hesitation, 
that no teaching or instruction of men, un- 
accompanied by the healing power of the 
Sun of Righteousness, can give true light or 
consolation to the wounded spirit ; but if this 
truth be acknowledged, why should a con- 
stant round of teaching be thought neces- 
sary, whether the spirits of those who 



BY THE WAY. 



23 



minister are divinely influenced or not I 
It may be said, that there is much good 
done in this way. But is not the good 
that is done, the answer of the true Spirit 
which pleads in the hearts of the worship- 
pers ? I am very far from believing, that 
such worship is unmixedly false, but is not 
the measure of false worship, or of worship 
without the Spirit, an hindrance to the 
prevalence of the " true life V Does it not 
mislead the mind, and by causing it to 
satisfy itself with that which is not bread, 
suffer confusion, and darkness, and even 
sin to prevail ? Words are, indeed, a 
means by which the spirits of men have 
communion with each other ; but even in 
this they are not the only means, and 
are no further really useful, than as they 
express the genuine feeling of the mind. 
But to the Almighty, we do not want 
this means of conveying our feelings, if 
we worship Him in spirit and in truth, it 
matters not whether in words or in silence. 



A BROOK 



No experienced Christian will deny, that 
we may worship truly without words, and 
though I cannot find one passage in the 
scriptures — one argument in the nature of 
things, nor, I believe, one conviction from 
the Spirit in my heart, that there can be 
any worship acceptable, which proceeds not 
from the Spirit — I see almost every sect 
of Christians in the habit of filling up 
the time appointed for public worship with 
outward forms, whether the mind be rightly 
moved in them or not. 

In regard to instruction, I believe the 
principal point is, to have the attention 
turned to the Divine Teacher in our hearts, 
to that true light (John i. 9,) which is the 
life of men, and "which enlighteneth every 
one that cometh into the world." The 
Almighty has, indeed, seen it good to 
make men instrumental in turning each 
other's attention to the heavenly light, and 
so make this instrumentality one means of 



BY THE WAY. 



25 



uniting His people to each other, and calling 
into exercise many grateful and heavenly 
affections. 

The Spirit of Christ has always appeared 
to me a much stronger bond of union than 
any similarity of opinions, or any views of 
outward church fellowship. 

In a letter to a friend, she writes : — Will 
my heart be relieved by telling thee, that 
the day-spring from on high hath visited 
me I The Sun of Righteousness arises on 
my soul, with healing in His wings. I 
trust I am not deceived. I believe the 
Lord is reviving my soul, by giving me to 
feel that I am nothing, and that if I would 
have purity, freedom, or happiness, I must 
deny myself, refuse to comply with the 
suggestions of my own will, and learn of 
Him, and through Him in all things. 0 ! 
how gracious — how inexpressibly precious 
is that love which makes the soul delight 

c 



26 



A BROOK 



to feel itself lost, annihilated in the object 
which attracts it. I shall, I believe, 
through the infinite mercy of God, be 
taught to know such love more perfectly : 
it will dwell more deeply in my soul. I 
thank God for subduing my mind in some 
degree, and teaching me to feel my weak- 
ness. O ! that as a prisoner of hope, I 
may turn to my strong-hold. Everything 
in me, and about me, cries aloud for a 
Saviour — a Redeemer. My spirit was re- 
vived, and I was filled with humble, grate- 
ful joy, when I remembered that M He who 
had trodden the wine-press alone," would 
redeem His people from their sins. 

Though I am conscious all true religion 
and acceptable worship must begin within, 
yet I am still persuaded, as I have often 
said before, that outward instruments, and 
the outward senses, are greatly used in the 
work of salvation, and particularly in the 
earlier parts of experience, especially with 



BY THE WAY. 



27 



the young, the unthinking, and the unin- 
structed. It appears to me to be a subject 
worthy of most serious inquiry, " How 
shall the outward senses be made most 
conducive to the welfare of the soul ?" I 
feel my mind seriously affected, when I 
remember that a just answer to this inquiry, 
necessarily includes that we ought neither 
to say nor to do any thing inconsistent 
with truth. 

Sometimes I have hoped that the day is 
coming, in which the different companies 
of professing Christians, convinced of the 
superior excellency of divine love, above 
every other consideration — above every 
party and distinction, will be led to unite 
their influence, and endeavour to promote, 
both in themselves and in others, an atten- 
tion and obedience to that inward life, which 
alone can redeem our spirits from the power 
of evil. In life and in death, I could rejoice, 
if it be the Lord's will to cry to all around, 



28 



A BROOK 



" Behold Him who taketh away the sins ot 
the world T 

I have often acknowledged, that it is of 
divine favour, and not through any merit 
of my own, that I have received any bless- 
ing ; and the consciousness of this, has, I 
believe, contributed to prevent me from 
complaining under the bereavement of my 
dear child, although the trial to nature has 
been heavy indeed In feeling my separa- 
tion from her, it seemed as though my 
worldly prosperity was blighted, and my 
spirits felt, for a season, weighed down; 
and although it was desirable to pray, yet 
I was held back from the ability. After- 
wards this petition was raised in my heart, 
4i 0 ! that whatever is of myself may be 
destroyed. Let my dispositions, my pur- 
suits, and even my sorrows, be cast behind, 
and let God live in me," 

Since our dearest comforts are so closely 



BY THE WAY. 



29 



allied to the keenest sorrows, ought we not 
to enjoy the present life, as passing through 
it, and not dwelling in it ? 

Under a feeling of the prevalence of 
divine power, the language was opened on 
my mind — " In the day of the Lord's 
power, His people shall be willing for 
surely there is a precious virtue in that 
power, which can subject even the strongest 
will— which can subdue all things unto 
itself, 

I am happy. My hope is in Him from 
whom every good and perfect gift proceeds, 
and with whom is no variableness nor sha- 
dow of turning. This morning, when I 
awoke, this text was livingly present with 
me, " Come and let us walk in the light of 
the Lord," (Isa. ii. 5). To be brought to 
obey this call, felt to me an object most 
desirable. O ! the anxiety of my nature — 
the proneness to excessive solicitude, and 

c 2 



30 



A BROOK 



the impatience of suspense ; yet to Thee, 
0 Father of mercies ! is my heart often 
powerfully attracted — may the tremulous 
sacrifice, which at times seems ready to be 
fully resigned, be bound as with cords to 
the horns of the altar ! 

To grow in the favour of man is a little 
thing, nay, it is less than nothing, and 
poison to our minds, if we are not, at the 
same time, growing in union with Him who 
is our life. Let us not rest in unavailing 
lamentations respecting our own deficien- 
cies, and those of others, much less in un- 
brotherly reflections ; but rather inquire, 
" Is there not balm in Grilead I — Is there 
not a Physician there V Let our applica- 
tion for ourselves and our friends be to the 
Father of spirits, — to Him from whom 
every good and perfect gift proceeds, that 
so we may come out of the coldness and 
darkness with which our nature is sur- 
rounded into " the light of life," — into the 



BY THE WAY. 



31 



healing beams of 44 the Sun of Righteous- 
ness," — and 0 ! that the spiritual sense 
may be awakened, and kept awake and 
alive within us, in order to our feeling that 
which, in conduct and conversation, tends 
to darkness and death, and quickly turn 
away from it, seeking our refuge in Him 
who is u the truth and the life/' 

Has there been in me a disposition to 
form heavens of my own, and dwellings of 
my own, rather than to seek my all from 
Thee, my Heavenly Father ? Has not 
Thy Spirit created in me a desire, and Thy 
love caused a willingness that these hea- 
vens, and these forbidden dwellings, might 
be shaken ; I have feared that some friend- 
ships, which I have been disposed to form, 
and sanguinely to indulge in, would too 
much bias — too much absorb my mind, and 
lead my judgment and affections, and draw 
me aside from that unreserved devotedness 
to Thee, wdiich in my most favoured and 



32 



A BROOK 



happiest moments, my spirit Longs for. If 
there be any separation to be made, com- 
parable to that of parting with a right 
hand or a right eye, enable me by Thy 
divine power willingly to endure it. and 
even to rejoice in wftaiecer shall tend to 
turn away my hopes and desires from all 
but Thee. 

That principle which leads us to desire 
to recover and restore an erring fellow- 
creature, rather than to seek his destruc- 
tion, is assuredly the principle to which 
Christianity leads, and to which it will 
ever lead, where its benign influence is suf- 
fered to prevail over the selfish and short- 
sighted policy of human nature. 

It appears to be one of my first duties 
to endeawour to make home a scene of in- 
terest and happiness. This, indeed, will be 
best done by all having their attention well 
directed — all feeling that love to God and 



BY THE WAY. 



33 



man, from whence all virtues flow ; and in 
that love seeking to avoid all cause of 
offence, and fulfilling, as ways may open, 
the duties of the day. The state of the 
mind is the first object ; where that is 
rightly centred, we shall know, I believe, 
what to do and what to leave undone. If 
our minds are enlightened and animated by 
the pure principle which comes from God, 
we shall enjoy our friends as well as our 
family, with an interest far dearer than any 
which could arise from other sources. Save 
me, 0 Lord, from apostacy from Thee, O 
Thou source of my hopes ! for truly Thy 
goodness in visiting and revisiting me has 
been unbounded ! 

I remember the prayer of our great 
Redeemer for His disciples, wdien He was 
about to leave them. " I pray not that 
Thou wouldest take them out of the world, 
but that Thou wouldest keep them from the 
evil." I feel the need, not only to myself 



34 



A BROOK 



for such a supplication, but also for some of 
my beloved friends. It is often in my 
remembrance, 44 What hast thou to do in 
the way of Egypt, to drink of the waters 
of Svchor ; — What hast thou to do in the 
way of Assyria, to drink of the waters of 
the river T What hast thou to do with 
the spirit and maxims of this world, w T ho 
hast been taught the lessons of a better 
wisdom ? Forsake not thy allegiance to 
the King of kings, in any act of thy con- 
duct — in any principle of thy heart. Be 
ever alive to the feeling, that He is the 
fountain of living waters, and that in 
whatever we depart, or go aside from Him, 
we are only making to ourselves 44 cis- 
terns, broken cisterns, that can hold no 
water. 4 " May our hearts ever be awake to 
the remembrance of Him. Guard our 
hearts, 0 Thou ! who art our preserver— 
our Redeemer — guard us from the tempta- 
tions that encompass on every side ; — 
prepare us by an entire subjection and 



BY THE WAY. 



35 



acquiescence in Thy will, for the fulfilment 
of all Thy designs concerning us. Thy 
ways are not our ways, nor Thy thoughts 
our thoughts. 0 ! let us not be bounded 
by ourselves, but let our hearts and affec- 
tions be enlarged by an unreserved dedica- 
tion to Thee — that so we may be favoured 
to feel, that the Lord God omnipotent 
reigneth. 

At Meeting, a valued friend stood up 
with the affecting appeal, " Were there 
not ten cleansed, but where are the nine ? 
There are not found that returned to give 
glory to God save one." 0 ! that the in- 
quiry may be brought home : — Who among 
us, that have been the favoured subjects of 
renovating power, have not yet returned to 
give glory to God — not resigned themselves 
to His purifying influence? but gone aside 
to the waters of Egypt and the rivers of 
Assyria, instead of repairing to Him who 
is the fountain of life. 



36 



A BROOK 



Whether it be permitted us to enjoy, or 
whether it be ours to suffer a deprivation 
of that grateful feeling in Meeting, in 
which our souls delight, yet if our growth 
in the truth be promoted all will be well. 
In all and under all, may the bias of our 
heart be to the 44 Father which is in 
Heaven/' 

Our Redeemer, infinitely powerful, can 
make all things work together for good to 
those whose love and fear is to Him — to 
whom all hearts are open and all desires 
known. May our thoughts be so cleansed 
by the inspiration of His pure and infinite 
Spirit, that we may be taught perfectly to 
love Him and worthily to magnify His 
holy name. 

It is not mere outward profession — it is 
not a mere coincidence in the theories of 
reason — that can truly unite us to one 
another, or enable us to be instrumental in 



BY THE W A Y . 



37 



leading to happiness, that is alone to be 
found in Thee. Our true union with one 
another, must be an union in that divine 
life which proceeds from Thee. When at- 
tracted to Thyself, as the source and centre 
of all goodness, we are drawn nearer and 
nearer to each other in living, precious 
union. While I write, the feeling which 
dwells with me is, that my spirit fears 
the weakness by which it has often been 
betrayed. Whatever outward engagements 
may occupy — whatever circumstances may 
affect me— may I still have power feelingly 
to say, in the remembrance of Thee, " My 
heart is fixed." 

I wish I could retrace the feelings that 
were brought over my mind at the York 
Quarterly Meeting last midsummer; but 
my hope is, that their effect will never be 
lost. My heart was called to a more entire 
dedication to the Lord than I had ever 
either conceived or understood. What 

D 



38 



A BROOK 



integrity, uprightness, and singleness of 
heart Thou requirest, and most justly 
claims. We must not even in thought 
say, " Thus far will I follow Thee, and 
no farther." Our obedience and devoted- 
ness must be entire and unreserved, and 
our allegiance ever true to Thee. In Meet- 
ing, such was the ascendancy of divine 
power and life, that all things appeared 
possible ; yet, on retiring to my own room 
in the evening, a passing shade of sadness 
overcast my mind, in the thought that even 
the more refined gratifications of affection 
and feeling must pass under the correcting 
power of a superior principle, before they 
could be authorised or allowed. My heart, 
however, was led to rest in the conscious- 
ness that my heavenly Father orders all 
things well, and only withholds what 
would eventually be injurious. " He that 
trusteth his own heart is a fool.*" It is only 
by subjection to the divine will, that preser- 
vation or growth in the truth can be known. 



BY THE WAY. 



39 



However various in profession, those who 
are truly religious are of one spirit, being 
all taught of Him " who came to seek and 
to save that which was lost." These, as 
they give themselves up to redeeming 
grace, will be preserved in humility and 
love, convinced that in Him, and not in 
themselves, is the fountain of life. I 
believe that true religion will lead to unite 
the diligence in business of the most indus- 
trious, with the disinterested benevolence 
which would turn all that we possess into 
the channel of heavenly love. 

In the acknowledgment of the truth of 
Christianity my heart is fixed ; and I be- 
lieve that the operation of the Christian 
principle will evince itself more by its 
influence on the conduct and conversation, 
than in any outward profession. To attend 
meetings of any religious society, and even 
to profess a decisive conviction of the truths 
of the gospel, will avail but little, if we are 



40 



A BROOK 



not evincing corresponding dispositions — 
dispositions, kind and beneficent, generous 
and liberal, ready to forgive, free to distri- 
bute, full of mercy and good fruits : espe- 
cially evincing its generous and grateful 
affections to those who are nearest to us — 
to our intimate friends — to our own fami- 
lies. It is at home that the true character 
is most fully displayed. I do consider the 
attendance at meetings for public worship 
a solemn duty, and a high and invaluable 
privilege. My heart has often felt the 
preciousness of gathering together in the 
name of Christ, to wait together for the 
prevalence of His power over us. In the 
dominion of that power is our strength 
and victory. It is also a testimony we 
owe to the world, that we are worshippers 
of the one true God, and depending upon 
him for all that concerns our present and 
future welfare. 

At Meeting, this query presented itself, 



BY THE WAY. 



41 



and dwelt on my mind ; why should any 
complain of the want of light, when they 
do not open their eyes to behold the sun ? 
Why should any complain of not finding 
access to heaven, when their minds are chiefly 
directed toward the earth ? Acknowledge 
God in all thy ways, and thou shalt know 
Him to be the guide and director of thy steps. 

Temptations may be permitted for our 
subjection and refinement. We might in 
some circumstances be peculiarly liable to 
forget ourselves, if we had no outward or 
inward combats. O ! that my mind may be 
rightly led this day, and kept from every 
improper tendency. 

On looking back, I felt convinced as I 
have often done before, that had I no ground 
for final salvation and acceptance, but the cor- 
rectness of my own doings, I should despair. 

Yesterday, accompanied by a friend, I 

d2 



42 



A BROOK 



visited a number of very poor families, 
some in extreme want, We looked with 
pity on their various situations, almost des- 
titute as some of them appeared of every 
consolation, either from without or from 
within. There is too much of that squalid 
poverty, in which the mere support of life 
is a source of continual and almost fretful 
anxiety from day to day. In many of these 
poor families, there is evident such an alie- 
nation of mind from the only source of true 
consolation, that we could not but pity their 
situation, and earnestly wish that their 
hearts might be turned to seek for peace in 
Him, who was called the friend of sinners. 
May we by every means in our power strive 
to lead them to a state, in which the pros- 
pect of a happy futurity, and the conscious- 
ness of heavenly favour, can make even the 
wilderness to bloom and become beautiful, 
and the lowliest habitation be enlivened by 
the cheering beams of the Sun of Righteous- 
ness, Are not those, who have been fa voured 



BY THE WAY. 



43 



to see and to feel where their best interest 
lies, called upon to direct the attention of 
others to the pursuit of the same blessings I 
It is in the influence of religious feeling, that 
a balm is found for the sorrows of the pre- 
sent world, as well as a corrector of all its 
disorders. It is this that can introduce 
happiness into every department of life, and 
even bring order and harmony into the 
dwellings, which have before been the scene 
of confusion and discord. It can teach the 
heart to rejoice in God, when the trees which 
have borne fruit shall forbear t o blossom, and 
even under the bereavement of our nearest 
and dearest enjoyments. May the hearts of 
the people be more and more weaned from de- 
pendence on an unstable world, and directed 
to that which is enduring and eternal. 

Expressions of truly devotional feeling 
committed to writing, would, I think, be good 
subjects for the meditation of our children, 
although we would not recommend the 



44 



A BROOK 



adoption of them for devotional exercises 
unfelt. Let them always know that the 
heart must pray, the lips alone cannot, 
whatever words may be used. When I was 
a very little girl, I was pleased with finding 
a book of my dear mother's, called The 
Duties of the Closet, but do not recollect 
any expressions it contained, except that in 
the exercises for the evening preceding the 
sabbath, there were these words, " O ! thou 
overflowing Fountain of endless love ; " 
and while I sometimes uttered them, my 
heart was gratefully conscious of the good- 
ness of that infinite yet mysterious Power 
to whom they were addressed. The re- 
newal of this remembrance this morning is 
very precious. What interest is there in 
the whole world and all that it can give, in 
comparison of that, which is connected with 
the acknowledgment of Him, whose power 
created the heavens and the earth — the seas 
and the fountains of water ; who teaches us 
the lessons of His love in the silence of 



BY THE WAY. 



45 



retirement, with a power and a sweetness no 
language can express. When thus favoured, 
may watchfulness be maintained, and the 
mind preserved in a state to worship Him 
in the beauty of holiness. 

If I have an evidence of duty in any one 
point, I believe it is in imparting religious 
instruction to children. I shall never, I 
think, forget the first attempt made in 1813, 
to convey instruction in this way with the 
children of my own family. The tender- 
ness which overspread their spirits, and the 
consciousness that filled my own soul of the 
continuance of that heavenly regard, which 
once induced the injunction ; " Suffer little 
children to come unto me," was very strik- 
ing and memorable. 

In reading this evening in the pleasing- 
quiet of retirement, after the mind had 
for a season been on the stretch with the 
prospect of an immeasurable eternity, I was 



46 



A BROOK 



enabled to anchor in the consciousness, that 
the infinite Author of our being could make 
this prospect of future existence to consist 
as fully with the freshness and comparative 
newness of the present life, as now its re- 
newal, day by day, is always interesting, 
and always new. 

In my early days I often suffered from a 
painfully overpowering feeling in the con- 
templation of eternity ; but once, when the 
subject came before me in the place of wor- 
ship in which I was brought up, this feeling 
passed like lightning through my mind, and 
with it a relief like the bursting of a fetter. 
" It is my happiness now to exist, and ex- 
istence will be my happiness in eternity." 
Life was given to me by a Being infinitely 
merciful and good, and though the manner 
of our future existence is to us unknown and 
incomprehensible, I will cast myself in faith 
and confidence on Him who gave me life, 
and who I know can make me happy both 



BY THE WAY. 



47 



here and for ever. This ray of heavenly 
light beaming on my mind, was accompanied 
by a feeling of great consolation, yet after 
some time I became convinced, that to be 
satisfied respecting certain important truths 
was not by any means everything to us, 
for the mind might still be in a careless and 
indifferent state. I was not less persuaded 
that even a great degree of anxiety, arising 
from a want of clearness of vision, might 
possibly in some instances be very salutary, 
especially if it had a tendency to keep the 
mind in a chastened, humbled state — con- 
scious of its weakness and dependence. 

In a company where I lately was, an 
individual made this impressive remark— 
" There are some precepts of Christianity 
which have appeared to me at first view, as 
of very easy attainment, yet have proved 
very difficult. The ability to say, after all we 
have done — We are unprofitable servants, 
we have only done that which was our duty 



48 



A BROOK 



to do — is of very difficult, yet at the same 
time, a very needful attainment." And so 
it is, unless we have this simplicity of 
mind, this willingness to acknowledge that 
nothing is our own, and we are in ourselves 
unprofitable; we cannot, I apprehend, so act 
in the divine harmony, as to produce all the 
effect which should arise from right feeling. 

The more we have to do, the more is 
simplicity, quietness, and watchfulness unto 
prayer necessary. May this feature of 
mind be mine, however I may appear in 
the eyes of others. Let me study to be 
quiet, and to mind my own business ; affec- 
tionate to all, yet not absorbed by any 
human being or earthly love . My heavenly 
Father has crowned with abundant peace 
the disposition that even seeks for dedica- 
tion, for as yet what sacrifices have been 
made I I want to live in the spirit of sacri- 
fice — the spirit that denies itself to follow 
Christ. Let me watch against my nearest 



BY THE WAY. 



4-9 



besetments, and live in true lowliness of 
mind. It does not appear to me needful 
to renounce the pleasures of friendship, yet 
it is needful to guard against their undue 
bias on my mind, that encroachment which 
would lessen the feeling of momentary 
responsibility to the one great Source and 
Supporter of all things. May my heart be 
so turned towards redeeming goodness as 
shall promote a growth in the truth. Let 
my eyes be taken from myself and directed 
to my Redeemer, the source of my conso- 
lation and my hope. It is not through 
anything we are, or can be, that we are 
made instruments of good to others : it is 
only in that watchfulness of mind, which 
opens the heart to receive Jesus, that we 
grow ourselves, or are useful to others. The 
lilies of the field toil not, neither do they 
spin ; they turn to the sun, and silently re- 
ceive his beams, and the showers appointed 
for them, and thus thev grow. 0 ! that 
we may toil less, and wait more. 

E 



50 



A BROOK 



O, my God! Thou art Thyself all 
sufficient to form our happiness, and to 
impart it to us in the way that is best. 
With what peace has my mind been filled 
this morning, in retiring from our family 
reading. Blessed Lord, give me more and 
more singleness of heart towards Thee. 

I must not turn from the prospect of 
visiting the dear little ones, and the people 
of Sierra Leone, but prepare to go, by 
endeavouring to pursue with fidelity my 
previous duties here, and then resign 
myself to go, for life or for death. I never 
find peace in turning from it, and as far as 
I can see at present, nothing can be substi- 
tuted for this one act of duty. Then let me 
reason no more, nor listen to the discou- 
ragements of others. Are we not Thine 
own, O heavenly Father, to direct where 
Thou wilt ?' Above all, let me be aware of 
the insinuating reasonings of such as can 
seldom see any real call to exertion, for the 



BY THE WAY. 



51 



spiritual good of distant countries. Let 
kindness reign in my heart towards these, 
but let me not be biassed by their argu- 
ments, nor dare to conclude that anything 
can be substituted for the sacrifices called 
for, unless my own mind should hear a 
release proclaimed. Let the habitual dis- 
position of my mind be " I desire to do 
Thy will, 0 Lord !" 

Through divine assistance, which has 
been eminently near, I have, with fresh 
ardour, been led to devote myself to Him 
who is wonderful in counsel, and infinite in 
His compassions to the children of men, 
and who has often in pity regarded my 
low estate, forgiven my wanderings, and 
will, I humbly trust, lead me yet more and 
more evidently to "the rock that is higher 
than I," and " establish my goings,'"' and 
put a new song into my mouth, even of 
praise and thanksgiving to my God. 



52 



A BROOK 



How great is the sweetness and beauty 
of the Christian religion ! The religion of 
pure Christianity in the heart, where the 
loye of God ever reigns, and the love of 
man as its natural and necessary fruit. 
That loye which seeketh not its own, 
which rejoices not in iniquity, which never 
pleases itself with the errors of others — 
never indulges itself by making others a 
subject of ridicule, or amuses itself with 
that which should rather call forth com- 
passion. There are many kinds of Phari- 
seeism in the world ; many, who trusting 
in their own comparative correctness, de- 
spise others. There are Pharisees of learn- 
ing, of taste, of worldly polish, of worldly 
wealth. How many in each of these classes, 
as well as among the professors of religion, 
are too prone to trust in themselves, and 
to despise others. 0 ! that a genuine 
humility might lead people to more watch- 
fulness against those false estimates, which 
lead to conclusions so erroneous and per- 



BY THE WAY. 



53 



nicious. I trust the disposition is increasing 
among Christians, which leads to rejoice in 
each other's welfare, and to yield to the 
precious influence of the Spirit of Him 
" who sent not His Son into the world to 
condemn the world, but that the world, 
through Him, might be saved." If this 
Spirit is our guide, we shall speak of each 
other in that love which desires the redemp- 
tion of all, and grieves on account of evil, 
wherever, and in whatever form it is seen 
to exist. Assuredly, it must be a vitiated 
state of mind — a disposition of the flesh, 
and not of the Spirit, that is amused with 
things that are wrong, or pleased in point- 
ing out the errors of others. Our chief 
happiness and heartfelt joy, can only arise 
from resigning ourselves to the Author of 
our being, who will mould our dispositions 
according to His divine pleasure. 

Early in the morning my mind was im- 
pressed with a consciousness that great 

e 2 



54 



A BROOK 



watchfulness is necessary, that I may attain 
to. and abide in that perception of the 
divine guidance and protection which I 
believe is designed for me. It is an awful 
thing to act on any occasion as a public 
ambassador for Christ — to call on my dear 
friends to come to the light and to enter 
into sympathy with their states. Assuredly, 
the very apprehension of this being a duty, 
is the strongest inducement to desire with 
increasing solicitude, the prevalence of that 
redeeming power in which all things become 
new. Father of mercies, give me resigna- 
tion to Thee — to Thy divine leadings— a 
watchfulness to find a refuse and dwelling 
place in Thee and in Thy heavenly will, then 
shall we know the blessedness of pursuing 
the path directed by Thee, which must 
tend to the real welfare of Thy creatures. 
Are we not the children of one Father I 

How has Divine Providence favoured 
me and my family with such a supply of 



BY THE WAY. 



55 



all that is needful, as to be able to meet 
the charges of the day, both for ourselves 
and others. Ought I not to go on without 
fear, just acting in simplicity for the present 
hour, minding that there is enough to dis- 
charge every debt as it becomes due, and then 
devoting the remainder for the comforts 
of others with as much freedom as if it were 
for myself? The earth is the Lord's, and 
all we possess should be considered as lent, 
in order that we may be faithful stewards of 
our heavenly Father's bounty. 

What religious man cannot spare an hour 
or two occasionally for the sacred duty of 
attending devotional assemblies ? And what 
man in easy circumstances cannot spare an 
hour or two every week, for associating 
with his friends. Let an hour be spared for 
visiting the poor, and the interest excited 
will give energy in the pursuit of the en- 
gagements of business. It is not time lost, 
even to the merchant, the poor must be 



56 



A BROOK 



cared for if people would advance the 
public prosperity. That healthful state 
of society in which the lower ranks can 
provide the means of decent and com- 
fortable support to their families, must 
afford the most general stimulant to trade 
at large. Where the most numerous class 
of society are sunk too low to demand 
by their consumption articles of common 
manufacture, trade must stagnate in pro- 
portion to their impoverishment. The first 
step towards bettering the state of the poor, 
is assuredly to know what that state really 
is, and this by persons who have judg- 
ment^ feeling, and power to improve their 
condition. This knowledge will best be 
acquired by seeing them in their own 
houses, and hearing from themselves the 
affecting detail of their sufferings and 
privations. Temporary pressure may be 
met by temporary aid, but permanent 
prosperity must be promoted by the en- 
couragement of every good habit and dis- 



BY THE WAY. 



57 



position, and by raising the poor from a 
state of abject depression, so that each in 
their simple way of living may claim a 
share of the industry of others, and their 
own industry be brought into action. 

" 1 never saw one truly blessed, 

But it composed, and gave him such a cast 
As folly might mistake for want of joy, 
A cast unlike the triumph of the proud, 
A modest aspect, and a smile at heart ." 

I have no doubt but there is a state of 
heavenly-mindedness far above all earthly 
joys, in which, whether doing or leaving 
undone, we are in that act of submission 
which constitutes our happiness, and in 
which only we are prepared to follow the 
divine will. 

I am sensible that in many minds where 
the desire after truth is earnest, the entire 
renovation of the will and affect ions is far 
more difficult of attainment than was at 



58 



A BROOK 



first conceived. There must be again and 
again a submitting to an inward baptism 
deeply humiliating, and a consciousness of 
liability to error that lays human glorying 
in the dust, as well as a deep feeling of the 
truth, "that in us dwells no good thing," and 
a willingness to learn of Him in whom are 
hid all the treasures of wisdom and know- 
ledge. How prone we are to mingle light 
with darkness — the love of truth with 
error, and feelings not entirely consonant 
with the love of God and man, with others 
that in their kind, are excellent and good. 
For the separation of that which serveth 
God, from that which serveth him not, we 
must be willing to yield " to the sword of 
the Spirit," — the living — the heavenly — 
the operating word, quick and powerful, 
beyond what can be described by anything 
in nature. 

A few nights ago, a very consoling view 
was presented to my mind during the hours 



BY THE WAY. 



59 



of sleep, in which I felt that there was, 
indeed, a ground for reliance on the good- 
ness and wisdom of Providence, beyond 
what is generally conceived. On awaken- 
ing, the recollection was vividly renewed 
to my mind, and in this manner. As the 
sonl is superior to the body, so will be that 
spiritual world which is now the object of 
our faith and hope, superior to anything 
seen or enjoyed in the present life. When 
we separate from each other outwardly, 
our minds do not separate ; we still feel 
united — our spirits, our thoughts, our love 
are not limited by the bounds of our bodies. 
In heaven they have a more enlarged sphere 
in which to exercise their more enlarged 
powers, and they are capable of higher 
enjoyments. 

The Infinite Being, who has declared 
himself a Spirit, is immeasurably superior 
to all created things. He can only accept 
a spiritual homage — words which have not 



60 



A BROOK 



their source in the soul's best feeling, are 
of no value. 0 ! that truth and sincerity 
may more prevail in the world. May we 
endeavour to promote these in all we do 
and say. 

The sun. at this moment rising in great 
beauty above the neighbouring hills, and 
pursuing its course in wonted order, reminds 
me of that mighty and unseen hand, which 
controls all things, and which we shall 
eventually have to acknowledge, " hath 
done all things well." This acknowleda- 
ment was willingly made, when the Be- 
deemer openly and visibly gave forth His 
power, in causing the blind to see and the 
lame to walk ; but when for a season these 
miraculous displays of His power were 
withheld, and the hour and power of dark- 
ness prevailed, the trembling disciples, 
communing with each other in the sadness 
of their hearts, mournfully said, "We 
trusted it had been He. who should have 



BY THE WAY. 



til 



redeemed Israel." They were not aware 
that notwithstanding the gloomy appear- 
ance of things to their natural eyes, the 
Eedeemer of men had indeed appeared 
among them, and was about to manifest 
before them his ascendancy — his infinite 
ascendancy over every opposing power. 

Children whose minds are peculiarly 
susceptible, who have a quick sense of 
right and wrong, and yet not so subject to 
religious principle as quietly to pass by 
what is harsh or unjust, may be greatly 
injured by a tart dictatorial maner, which 
has its origin in feelings opposed to the 
meekness and gentleness of true religion. 
A gentle manner is availing on the great 
principle which acts throughout nature, 
of like producing its like. Humility and 
gentleness will excite correspondent feelings 
in the children, who witness these quali- 
ties in their teachers, and the most perfect 
gentleness is entirely consonant with the 



62 



A BROOK 



-most firm requisition of order. None can 
more clearly see what true order demands, 
than those who maintain the greatest col- 
lectedness of mind. 

Associations should certainly be formed 
by some means, for the aid of the most 
destitute and helpless, that they may obtain 
employment, and thus provide for their sup- 
port. How I should rejoice to see a com- 
mittee of really feeling and judicious persons 
uniting for the great object of visiting Ire- 
land. It is a disgrace to the nation that 
such a state of wretchedness from want, 
exists in that island, while, at the same 
time, some of its inhabitants are living in 
distant parts in luxury and excess. 

I believe that where there is much good 
in the character of an individual, it is right 
that it should be met, and its predominance 
sought, over all that would mar its beauty, 
or hinder its usefulness, even though much 



UY THE WAY. 



63 



mixed with what requires to be overcome. 
The way to overcome, is not to slight or 
neglect, but kindly to meet and to help. 
How did the Redeemer act towards his err- 
ing disciples I He patiently taught them, 
and kept them in His school, and even- 
tually, through the teaching of His Holy 
Spirit, they gave up their lives to the cause 
of truth and righteousness. 

Feelings of depression have this morn- 
ing prevailed, in looking on the great suf- 
fering with which the world is overspread, 
and in the justness of that inquiry, " Who 
hath believed our report, and to whom is 
the arm of the Lord revealed V The chil- 
dren of this world may be regarded as 
wiser, or more earnest in pursuit of their 
concerns, than the children of light. How 
many are there even among Christians, 
who compassionate the bodily sufferings 
and afflictions of the poor, yet care little 
for that darkness and alienation which 3 



64 



A BROOK 



among both rich and poor, is the great 
cause of inward and outward distress ? 

May I be taught to feel what is required 
at my hand by the aw T ful inquiry, " How 
much owest thou unto thy Lord V 9 May I 
not dwell in any degree on what I may ap- 
pear in the eyes of others, but let my daily 
care be, to endeavour to fulfil the will of 
the Most High concerning me, taking the 
cup of salvation appointed by His goodness, 
and calling on His name in daily and secret 
aspirations. I believe my right appoint- 
ment is not so much to declare against 
existing evils, as to seek for strength, that 
those who are sensible of their existence 
may unite in endeavouring to counteract 
their progress. 

It is said the Turks consider women 
without souls ; and one might imagine, 
from the little care that is evinced by 
some for the spiritual welfare of people 



BY THE WAY. 



65 



whose bodily distress they seek to relieve, 
that they considered a great proportion of 
human beings as merely formed of the 
tangible and material, It may be pleaded, 
that the work of seeking to guide in spiri- 
tual concerns is too serious and sacred to 
be attempted without aid from on high, 
and this is true ; yet how often that aid 
would be imparted, if earnestly and watch- 
fully desired and sought for. It may be 
said, that some who seem to make much 
profession, are evidently far from being 
themselves redeemed from pride and self- 
seeking — from the spirit of this world, its 
disguises and its uncertainties ; are far 
from evincing in their daily deportment 
those beautiful and excellent qualities, which 
are described in the Scriptures of truth as 
" the fruits of the Spirit." This unhal- 
lowed talk and profession on hallowed sub- 
jects, betrays a fearful want of feeling on 
the high and sacred nature of true religion, 
which cannot be brought to exist in the 



66 



A BROOK 



mind through any outward observance or 
profession, but originates and exists in that 
Light which is the life of man. The quick- 
ening principle which redeems the soul 
from evil and leads to love to God and 
man, imparts of its influence to all, 
although to many it is as a light shining 
in darkness and the darkness compre- 
hendeth it not. 

Much watchfulness is required from all 
who have been favoured to feel that love 
to the divine law which brings great peace. 
Their constant care must be to deny self 
and follow the guidance of the Redeemer, 
to live to Him, and to guard against the 
assimilating influence of those who are 
not baptized into the acknowledgment of 
Grod in all their ways. 

My spirit has this morning been con- 
soled, in receiving what seemed as the 
breaking forth of the Sun of Righteousness 



BY THE WAY. 



67 



from beneath the clouds, in the remem- 
brance of that inestimably precious decla- 
ration, ;t God so loved the world, that He 
sent forth His Son into the world, that 
whosoever believeth in Him should have 
everlasting life." Yes, it is the love of 
God, which is the light, the brightness, and 
the happiness of created beings, and it is 
in the prevalence of Christian love alone 
that we can hope ; it wilL lead to all good 
efforts for the welfare of the bodies and 
souls of men. We must scatter Scripture 
truth up and down Africa, even among the 
Mahomedans. My heart cannot consent 
to select such parts only as Mahomedans 
would not reject. My proper business is, I 
believe, openly to avow my belief and trust 
in the Redeemer of men, and to hope for 
the prevalence of redeeming power in order 
to recover mankind from sin and wretched- 
ness. It is not the arm of man that can 
save : we must remember that the Egyp- 
tians are men, and not God, and their horses 



68 



A BROOK 



flesh, and not spirit. If our trust be not in 
the name of the Lord, those who are helped 
and those who help shall both fail together. 

May I be brought more deeply to know 
my calling, nor suffer, in this short day 
of life, any feeling of indolent supineness 
or selfish regard to prevent the daily pur- 
suance of very serious duties that call for 
increasing watchfulness ; and let me not 
cease to bear in mind, that I am in all 
circumstances called upon to act as a disciple 
of the Prince of peace, seeking to strengthen 
and to heal, to meet whatever is good in 
any, tenderly ; careful not to injure a bruised 
reed, nor do anything that may tend to 
quench the smoking flax. 

May I have daily a willingness to enter 
into the baptized feeling of Christian duty, 
and not measure my path by any human 
standard. The Lord will require accord- 
ing to what has been given ; and to some 



BY THE WAY. 



69 



in comparatively obscure situations, the 
knowledge of the Master's will may be far 
more sensibly present, and the dedication 
higher, than in those who hold more con- 
spicuous stations as to human talent and 
ability for action. The great point at last 
will be, " Ye did it not unto Me," or " Ye 
did it unto Me." May the remembrance 
of this daily dwell in my heart. 

O ! that teachers of schools were gene- 
rally religiously concerned to make such 
instruction on right grounds their constant 
care, and the most interesting part of their 
duty. I long to see correct principles more 
generally instilled into the minds of the 
young — principles of piety and of honour- 
able dealing with all with whom they have 
to do. It is not the name of Christianity, 
nor right views alone, that will convert 
the heart and rectify the conduct. 

When shall the days come in which 



70 



A BEOOK 



Ephraim shall no longer vex Judah, or 
J udah, Ephraim ; when Christian love will 
more generally prevail, as well as Christian 
sympathy for those who are far from the 
path of duty and peace I When the ob- 
structing stones shall be cast out of the way 
of the stream of the river of life, we shall 
find changes take place more rapidly than 
at present, and many shall rejoice in the 
progress of truth and righteousness. We 
need a combination of Christian energy to 
go amongst those of different ranks in 
society who wander in the highways and 
hedges. Do not all require heavenly help ? 
The variation in Christian views should not 
separate us, because all must seek divine 
guidance or our labour will be unproduc- 
tive, and we have sufficient encouragement 
to say, help will mercifully be granted in the 
needful hour. 

There needs a check on my mind, lest 
in easy conversation, I lose sight of that 



BY THE WAY. 



71 



restrictive feeling, which would control 
all our communications , and lead to real 
edification. 

A chapter this morning was read, in which 
are the words ; " the Son of man came not 
to be ministered unto, but to minister." The 
feeling introduced into my mind was, that 
since the Redeemer of mankind gave to us 
such an example, the lowest acts of minis- 
tration to the poorest should not be with- 
held. We ought to sympathize with those 
who suffer, and follow them into their 
abodes of poverty and want, willingly and 
freely, and let no difficulty or self-denial, 
prevent us from fulfilling towards them the 
claims of Christian duty. 

Praise and adoration be to Thee, O, 
Thou most mighty and most merciful ! 
Thy goodness has been near to support 
through some of the darkest and most 
trying seasons of my life. Thy light has 



72 



A BROOK 



enlightened the darkness, and Thy love 
has supported in the nearest trials. Let 
it never be forgotten that when all around 
appeared only to present scenes of dismay, 
my spirit was favoured to feel Thy con- 
soling presence, and Thy language percep- 
tibly sounded in the spiritual ear ; " Be 
not dismayed, I am the Lord/' This 
assurance has been my hope and my shield. 
Everything I have seen among rich or 
poor, combines to confirm the conviction, 
that it is only in the prevalence of His 
reign that the earth can rejoice, conse- 
quently every degree of departure from 
Him tends to unhappiness and desolation. 
Much is due from those who have been 
favoured to know the truth and to feel that 
the Lord is gracious. May these be true 
to their principles, and diligent in promoting 
whatever may tend to the best welfare of 
their fellow-creatures. 



Human imperfection cleaves to every- 



BY THE WAY. 



73 



thing we see in this world — in engagements 
whether professedly benevolent or otherwise. 
It is highly needful that we attend to the 
beneficent injunction of the blessed Re- 
deemer, and not endeavour with unautho- 
rized hand to root out from the ground the 
tares, lest in so doing we pull up the wheat 
also. Purity of motive and of aim, is greatly 
to be longed for in all that ice do, and espe- 
cially as regards our own well-being. He 
that searcheth the heart, can only accept 
what is done to Him in His love. It is in 
this redeemed feeling that the true disciple 
is taught to pursue the good part, which 
shall not be taken from him. 

Children require guidance in searching 
the Scriptures, and I have felt it useful to 
present subjects of importance before them, 
and afterwards by either asking the ques- 
tions in regular succession, or promiscuously, 
to observe how far they appeared capable of 
understanding and applying what they had 
learned. g 



74 



A BROOK 



The immortal principle within thirsts 
for something corresponding to its own 
nature, and all this world's accommoda- 
tions, if relied on for happiness and sup- 
port, end in disappointment, and are found 
to be more shadow T y than " the vapour that 
appeareth for a little time and then vanishes 
away." It is in the acknowledgment of 
God — in the assurance of his all-controlling 
power — in a reliance on His infinite wisdom, 
and goodness — and in a daily desire to sub- 
mit to redeeming power and guidance, that 
the mind becomes conscious of the true de- 
sign and blessing of existence. May such 
Christians be more and more willing to 
yield themselves to the influence of that 
love, which longs for the happiness of man, 
and would willingly yield to required duty 
with whatever sacrifice, if only they may be 
instrumental in advancing the real welfare 
of mankind. 

I believe it will be more and more clearly 



BY THE WAY. 



75 



seen that the prosperity of a whole nation 
must ever be greatly dependent on the wel- 
fare of the labouring class. The prosperity 
of the manufacturer and merchant must rise 
or fall with the demand for the productions 
of the labourer, How will the most exten- 
sive and permanent demand be created I 
Will it not be by the labouring class beino; 
itself in a state above wretchedness and 
want ? A state in which this extensive 
portion of the community partake in a 
healthful and reasonable degree of the 
productions of industry, and thus call for 
an ample and steady supply of the articles 
produced by trade, and raised by industry I 
These observations are far from being new 
to many accustomed to reflect, and to 
acknowledge that we are all children of the 
same Almighty Parent. People have in- 
dulged themselves in the vain plea that 
luxury is good for society — that it furnishes 
employment for the poor, and promotes their 
prosperity. Yet let it be fairly considered 



76 



A BROOK 



whether we may not in renouncing many 
superfluous appendages to a state of compe- 
tency, obtain an increase of power to come 
forward to the help of suffering humanity, 
by promoting the advancement of the poor 
from a state of degradation and misery, and 
thus furnishing ample resources for their 
employment unaccompanied by a train of 
evils, which ever have been, and ever must be 
attendant on habits of luxury. Th e unfeeling 
neglect which luxurious habits have a natural 
tendency to induce — the hard exactions 
which luxury demands to supply its own 
claims, will narrow the mind to the providing 
for selfish indulgences, whilst the reasonable 
claims of the labourer, who toils for the sup- 
ply of these demands, are often slighted, as 
if unworthv of thought or of calculation. 

What I have seen and felt in this coun- 
try (Ireland) has confirmed greatly my at- 
tachment to the solid and salutary princi- 
ples of our Christian profession. I am 



BY THE WAY. 



77 



deeply convinced, that what the world wants 
for its recovery from the miseries with which 
it has been afflicted is, the prevalence of 
Christian principles and Christian practice. 
If the truth, the sincerity, the moderation, 
the peace, benevolence and love, into which 
the Redeemer would lead His people, ac- 
companied by the precious influences of His 
Spirit had their full ascendancy in our 
minds, His government would prevail, and 
we should be led into right conduct. 

I can fully accord with the idea, that the 
influence of circumstances, on the conduct 
and character of individuals, ought to be a 
strong inducement to all who have power 
over children, to arrange everything in as 
favourable a manner as possible for the 
j cultivation of good feeling ; yet man as a 
free agent must in a certain degree be the 
former of his own character, by yielding the 
mind to the influence of that which is good, 
or neglecting, or resisting it. 

g 2 



78 



A BKOOK 



Were the state of the poor more gener- 
ally inquired into, and their disadvantages 
from lack of real Christian instruction in 
early life considered and felt, many tilings 
might be remedied. A serious responsibility 
is attached to those who care but for them- 
selves, or who shrink from going into the 
wilderness, after that which is in danger 
of being lost. How precious is the example 
of our great Redeemer in His pity towards 
publicans and sinners, and in His readiness 
to heal all manner of diseases. Love to 
God and love to man are Christian feelings, 
and it is in the exercise of these that we 
are led to feel thankfulness for the blessing 
of existence. 

To-day, (on board ship) was indeed an 
awful season, the vessel pitching so much 
that the pumps could not be used. The 
gales of wind were tremendous and unre- 
mitting. The waves dashing over the deck, 
and in their course destroying many of the 



BY THE WAY. 



79 



live stock, and no hope remained that the 
ship could continue long afloat, unless we 
might be favoured with some intermission 
or variation of wind. I was led to breathe 
the language of supplication, that if consis- 
tent with the divine will there might be 
some abatement of the distress. After this, a 
degree of balmy feeling came over my spirit 
with the desire to have submission in all 
things. Life appeared to hang on a slender 
thread, yet still hope lived, a secret belief 
was given that the present dispensation 
was for good ; and my mind was prepared 
to say, "the will of the Lord be done." 

Since leaving home my mind has been 
more sensibly impressed than ever, with the 
inestimable value to mankind of those pre- 
cious results of sincere resignation to the 
influence of heavenly goodness, which are 
designated in the scriptures as "the fruits of 
the Spirit.'" O ! that these may be evinced 
more and more among professors of Chris- 



80 



A BROOK 



tianity, the truth would then make rapid pro- 
gress in heathen lands, where much darkness 
dwells, and much that calls for Christian 
sympathy and self-denying labour. 

We ought ever to keep in view that we 
are not our own — not our own masters, 
to do or leave undone what we please, 
especially while endeavouring to call others 
to the duties of Christian benevolence. 
Yet what watchfulness — wdiat abstracted- 
ness of mind is required in those, who 
have to act as instructors of the people. 
What self-renunciation — what temperance 
— what willingness to take up the daily 
cross, should they evince, if they would 
keep themselves in body and mind disen- 
cumbered, so as to be ready for the Master's 
call and the pursuance of His work. It 
is an awful thing to be called to the 
work of ministering in things spiritual. 
May I be forgiven in what I have thought 
and spoken unworthily of this calling, and 



BY THE WAY. 



81 



in future be mercifully taught a strict and 
daily watch, so that qualifications may be 
received rightly to attend to the exhorta- 
tion of the Redeemer; " Feed my lambs." 

It is only by meeting the good in others, 
and bv calling it forth, that good can be 
done in the Christian church and in the 
world at large. How important it is then, 
that the principles of true spiritual life 
should be cherished in our own minds and 
its prevalent dominion sought for. 

I cannot forget, that " the good which is 
done in the earth the Lord doeth it Him- 
self," and all that I can ask is, to be im- 
bued with His divine power and presence, so 
as to carry along with me a savour of life, 
the influence of which may be felt by all 
with whom I come in contact. In fulfilling 
in our daily walk the apostolic injunction — 
" Let every one please his neighbour for his 
good to edification," may we be enabled to 



82 



A BROOK 



separate without a secret sigh, when the in- 
quiry is made " Wherefore have we met?" 

Again and again has my mind been im- 
pressed with the belief of the desirableness 
of forming select libraries for general read- 
ing, and especially for the youth. Many 
who would be less guarded in writing for 
other classes of society, yet feel themselves 
bound to forbear encouraging what is bad 
in publications for children. On this ac- 
count, books expressly for children are often 
both pleasant and refreshing to read. In 
forming a select library, it would be very dif- 
ficult to find books wholly unexceptionable 
to us as Friends, therefore it might be best 
to look at the general tendency of a work 
and accept it, without expecting a degree of 
conformity beyond what we can hope to 
find in the present state of things. 

I should be glad to hear of English Friends 
imbued with the best feelings, and with de- 



BY THE WAY. 



88 



sires to see the principles of Truth take root 
and spread more fully over all the profes- 
sing nations of Europe, going into France, 
Italy, and other nations, to form little co- 
lonies, and to do all the good they could by 
the circulation of books ; by the formation 
of benevolent institutions, &c. 

When in the scriptures of Truth we are 
exhorted to patience, to forbearance, &c, we 
must be sure there are trials for these vir- 
tues, not only from the circumstances in 
which we are placed, but from the imper- 
fections of those with whom we have to do. 
We are too apt to lose sight of the obliga- 
tions we are under, and to consider the fail- 
ings of others a justification of resentful 
or dissatisfied feeling, whereas we ought, by 
patience, andunweariedgentleness, to endea- 
vour, in divine strength to conquer and bring 
them to right feeling. What is wanted is, 
that implicit obedience and subjection to 
our divine Master, which keeps the mind 



84 



A BROOK 



under a proper restriction in all circum- 
stances. If the mind be directed to the 
Author of our being, whose we are, and to 
whom we are for all things accountable, 
it may be preserved in sweetness under all 
circumstances, and our intercourse with 
those around us will be in Christian gentle- 
ness, courteousness, and watchfulness. The 
all-powerful presence of the Highest, will 
subdue and regulate our feelings, and will 
imbue us with such a precious savour, as 
shall be acknowledged in its influence, even 
by those who are themselves unwilling to 
submit to its control. 

It is a strong claim for humble acknow- 
ledgment and trust in divine goodness, that 
in our little assemblies for worship here, 
small as they are, we are yet favoured with 
some sensible feeling of the Saviour s mer- 
ciful declaration, " Where two or three are 
gathered together, in my name, there am I 
in the midst of them." How sweet and sub- 



BY THE WAY 



85 



lime is that worship which is in spirit and 
in truth, independent of the aid of outward 
forms, and evidently adapted to all coun- 
tries, circumstances, and people, where the 
right feeling is awakened. Nor do I know 
anything so calculated to lead to the true 
spirit of worship, as to sit down in silence 
in the awful remembrance of the presence 
of the Most High. It is in this perception 
of the divine presence, that a refuge will 
be found for thoughts that tend to dissipate 
and distract from the spirit of worship. It 
would be a vain and indolent excuse for a 
dissipated mind, to allege that this feeling 
is not at our command. " Ask and ye shall 
receive — seek and ye shall find." Gather 
the mind under the name and power of the 
Redeemer, and His presence in the midst 
shall be known. 

My attention has been drawn to the good 
which might be done by the instruction of 
the people in the principles of Christianity, 

H 



86 



A BROOK 



on a system that might be pursued by well- 
disposed teachers of schools — by mechanics 
or by agricultural agents. I fear not the 
test of such a sj T stem to the Scriptures of 
Truth. Did not the great master Himself 
appoint fishermen and others employed in 
useful labours, as the chief teachers of 
the people, in the great doctrines which 
concern our present and everlasting happi- 
ness ? — and did He not, in Himself, present 
an example of the simplicity of manner in 
which the most sublime truths might be 
communicated, when " as His custom was, 
He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath 
day, and stood up to read." 

J. T. and myself set sail for Sierra Leone. 
As we did not leave till afternoon, we were 
able to attend the forenoon Meeting, and 
were favoured, as we often have been, to 
feel we were not forsaken in this distant 
land. But why should I even say this 
distant land? Am I not still, through 



BY THE WAY. 



87 



infinite loving kindness, convinced that 
the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness 
thereof? — and wherever His consoling pre- 
sence may be felt, this is home. I write this 
in Sierra Leone, where we were brought in 
safety, and to which point I was so satis- 
fied, that my mind w r as rightly directed— 
that the waves of the sea, from which my 
natural constitution has often so sensibly 
and painfully shrunk — those waves, in this 
voyage, from the Gambia to this place, have 
appeared as solid ground. 

The conviction which dwells with me is, 
we must seek to do what is right, whether 
we live or die in the fulfilment of our work. 
Of what little moment it is, whether life be 
a few years longer or shorter, in comparison 
with the importance of pursuing, with fide- 
lity, the path of sincere dedication to duty. 
There is war between light and darkness 
in the earth — between the kingdom of 
the Redeemer, and the kingdoms of this 



88 



A BROOK 



world — between good and evil — between 
happiness and misery. And what if the 
days of some be shortened in this conflict I 
If we are favoured to believe our names 
are written in heaven, no sacrifice will be 
withheld, from the fear of early removal. 
There are many causes that counteract 
length of days, which cannot be wholly 
avoided, even with the provisions of society, 
and the conveniences and accommodations 
of life. There is no cause to shrink from 
the prosecution of good by the over esti- 
mate of the desirableness of long life. My 
rest at present is in no temporal enjoy- 
ment ; my future prospect seems much 
broken up in the contemplation of how 
much there is in the present state of the 
world, which calls for self-renunciation. 
I thought I should have suffered sensibly 
in the retrospect of privileges and pleasures 
that had been dearly enjoyed whilst in 
England ; but now I cannot mourn their 
loss, being mercifully sustained by a con- 



BY THE WAY. 89 

viction, that it is right for me to be here, 
and that everlasting goodness is graciously 
near to help. May 1 be enabled to follow the 
apostolic injunction, forgetting the things 
that are behind, and reaching forward to 
those that are before, may I press towards 
the mark for the prize of the high calling 
of God, in Christ Jesus. 

I long that the desire after pure religious 
feeling may become more and more preva- 
lent, and I cannot but fear, that the mere 
repetition of prayers, and attention to cer- 
tain outward forms, often lead to a false 
rest, wherein the mind is left untouched, 
and cold- — the tempers and dispositions way- 
ward, and uncontrolled by that renewing 
influence which can alone lead to the har- 
mony, order and true love, wherein is the 
sweetness of the present life, and the best 
preparation for that which is to come. 
Everything I have seen lately in Africa, 
or England, tends greatly to confirm my 

k 2 



90 



A BROOK 



attachment to the principles of real, genuine 
Quakerism, and an earnest desire is raised 
in my heart, for the prevalence of Truth 
among the nations of the earth, for, I 
believe, the happiness of the world would 
be promoted by the prevalence of these 
principles. 

In the morning, in coming down near the 
piazza, I heard a loud sound from many 
voices, like that of a school-lesson on the 
national system. I supposed for a time it 
was a class repeating arithmetical tables ; 
judge then, how much I was pained, when 
I found it was the language of prayer. 
This habit of uttering prayers, appears to 
me so very inconsistent with devotional 
feeling, that I cannot but regret that it 
should be encouraged, and greatly desire 
that the feeling of true devotion may be 
more sought and cherished, and all expres- 
sions or professions of it forborne, that do 
not arise from the right source. How pre- 



BY THE WAY. 



91 



cious are simplicity and sincerity in all 
our ways, and most peculiarly so, in the 
awful profession of religious worship — the 
worship of that Infinite Being, to whom 
all hearts are open, and all desires known. 

This morning G. Nylander has had an 
affecting request from some of the people 
in Leicester mountain, where they have 
neither school nor teacher, saying, " Dear 
master, do send a teacher — do not let us 
perish like the heathen 2" G. N. encou- 
raged them to hold such meetings as they 
could among themselves, as he was not able 
to send a teacher to reside among them. 
If such as these could be brought to feel 
how good it is to wait in silent recollection 
of mind before God, who has all power to 
help and instruct, and all goodness to hear 
our secret petitions ; and if they could read 
the Holy Scriptures, devotional psalms, and 
well-chosen religious narratives, how much 
might such a meeting held in Christian 



92 



A BUOOK 



simplicity, be blessed to them ! They would 
learn to examine their hearts, and to be 
convinced, that the kingdom of God is not 
in word, but in power. I cannot but believe 
that the time will come, in which there will 
be such assemblies among sincere-hearted 
peasantry, both in Africa— in Ireland — in 
England, and indeed wherever the Scrip- 
tures of Truth are known and read. People 
are invited by the Redeemer Himself to 
gather together, even if it be by two or three 
in His name, and under His power, He 
promises that He will be present with them. 
The holding of meetings without any out- 
ward means of instruction, will ever I trust, 
be valued as an inestimable privilege in these 
and future days. 

In our meeting on the Sabbath day even- 
ing, I felt how grateful it was to have been 
led, through divine mercy and favour, into 
a way of worship adapted to all s places, 
people, and circumstances, where only the 



BY THE WAY. 



93 



heart desires assistance from on high, and 
acknowledges its dependence on divine 
power. How I desire that those who appre- 
hend it best to use some form of worship, 
could be prevailed upon to devote one hour 
in the week to silent reflection before the 
Most High ; surely a voice would some- 
times be heard through the silence, in lan- 
guage more powerfully arresting than any 
which is wont to strike the outward ear ! 
I cannot but feel again and again persuaded 
in my mind, that there is nothing the world 
wants so much, as the disposition and prac- 
tice of quietly waiting for the redemption 
which is in Christ. We are told in holy 
writ ; If any man w T ill do His will, he 
shall know through the Divine Spirit, of 
the doctrine, whether it be of God or no, 
and will he not attain in the easiest manner 
to this needful knowledge, by the silence of 
all within him before his Heavenly Father I 

I am convinced that the system of School 



94 



A BROOK 



instruction should be combined with useful 
employment ; and that the girls should be 
taught from books the theory of domestic 
business, and in turns the practice of it. 
The boys should be taught agriculture and 
mechanics. Were young girls initiated 
well into house affairs, it might prevent in 
after years, not only the utterance of many 
harsh reflections, but the spoiling of much 
good food. Initiatory works giving general 
directions, would be valuable in conveying 
the theory of these different acquirements. 

Went to Bathurst, and was much pleased 
with the humble, sincere, missionary spirit 
with which both the missionary and his 
wife conduct themselves. It was comforting 
to meet in G — — , that genuine piety and 
solicitude for the fulfilment of the duties of 
the day, which are valuable beyond every 
other attainment. In the company of such, 
whether the feeling be uttered or unex- 
pressed, there is a consolation which far 



BY THE WAY. 



95 



surpasses whatever we may find in persons 
of talent and other advantages, who lack this 
spirituality of mind. 

Those who have seen the most of the 
people up the river, say it is a great mis- 
take to suppose, that any school-boy who 
has just a little learning, may as he grows 
up be made a teacher among the Africans 
on religious subjects. On the contrary, 
many very acute reasoners are found 
among them, especially among the Ma- 
homedans, who are generally represented as 
the most civilized and orderly of the African 
population. In England, people only see a 
few of those who have been slaves, and are 
mostly beggars, and too often judge from 
such specimens, of the race in general. But, 
on the back-ground, as Africa is with re- 
spect to civilization and instruction, and 
damped as its energies are by the slave- 
trade, yet could the most incredulous as to 
African capacity, have seen the Foulah, who 



96 



A BROOK 



was here the other day, or many others who 
come with merchandise, particularly those in 
the Gambia, they would be convinced that 
such bright and intelligent countenances 
only need cultivation to raise them to their 
proper place in the scale of society. What 
judgment would be formed even of the 
English nation abroad, were only the 
most unfavourable specimens presented to 
view ? 

I have inquired of many in this colony 
respecting the manner in which they were 
taken captive, and find that generally their 
towns were burned, in consequence of an 
agreement between the slave-dealer and 
their king, and they were seized as they 
escaped from the flames. Rarely those 
of high rank are sold, but chiefly those 
who are already slaves ; and they are 
thus passed from one to another, through 
many hands, till they reach the coast. 
When a town is burned, and the people are 



BY THE WAY. 



97 



seized in their flight, it must of course be a 
promiscuous seizure, yet in such cases, occa- 
sionally those escape who have friends able to 
ransom them. How would the Anti-Slavery 
Committee be stimulated in their efforts, 
could they but see the state in which some 
of the poor children remain, even after 
having been attended to for several months 
from the time of their rescue from the 
slave-ships. I am told the Portuguese try 
to prejudice them against the English, by 
telling them they will be eaten by them, 
yet their joy on landing here is often ex- 
pressed in an affecting manner. 

Let it not be supposed, after what has 
been said of sending inefficiently qualified 
young men as teachers among their coun- 
trymen, that human learning is to be re- 
garded as an essential qualification for a 
religious instructor, but only that the in- 
experienced should not be pat upon an 
attempt beyond their powers. Instruction 

i 



98 



A BROOK 



to an uncivilized country will best be pro- 
moted by acting towards the people in such 
a manner as will be dictated by Divine 
Truth. I would by no means condemn 
others, or improperly judge them; on the 
contrary, I am deeply interested on behalf 
of those, who have devoted themselves to 
this suffering country, yet by all I see and 
have an opportunity of observing, I am 
confirmed in the belief, that nothing is 
better adapted to the instruction and im- 
provement of an uncultivated people, than 
to teach them, in simplicity and Christian 
sincerity, according to the leading doctrines 
of our profession as Friends. 

European settlers who are not mission- 
aries often complain of the want of occu- 
pation beyond their business, having no 
domestic society at home. Where there is 
so much of human life surrounding them, 
and while there is so much not only need- 
ing but susceptible of improvement, who 



BY THE WAY. 



99 



needs to be dull for want of employment ? 
Is there not a sensible interest in watching 
the growth of a plant, and seeing it improve 
and increase in beauty ? How much more 
pleasure then, in advancing the intelligence 
of human beings. If persons would only 
in Christian kindness, take an individual 
care even over a very few children, teach 
them what would be useful, and watch over 
their growth in knowledge and good feeling, 
what an increase of interest would be given 
to life in those thus occupied, and what good 
fruits might result I 

In the house of Mr. Renner, of Gloucester, 
I was pleased with the simple and expressive 
language of a hymn sung in the family. The 
subject was, " Say unto the righteous, it 
shall be well with him." I should like to 
see a series of select hymns in addition to 
what I have yet seen. I would never wish 
devotional hymns to be sung except from 
devotional feeling; yet in meetings for re- 



100 



A BROOK 



ligious instruction, and especially in meet- 
ings for children, I should not object to 
having read suitable hymns and prose, not 
as an act of devotion, but as religious read- 
ing to excite devotional feelings. Even then 
however I would prefer seasons of silence, to 
receive the convictions which it may please 
Infinite Goodness to impart to our minds, 
and to seek for ability to worship Him in 
spirit and in truth. I long to see this prac- 
tice of silent waiting introduced into other 
societies besides our own. There is some- 
thing in silence so consonant with the sim- 
plicity and sublimity of the Christian reli- 
gion, with the worship of that infinite Being 
whose path is in the whirlwind and His 
footsteps in the great deep, and whose ways 
are beyond the comprehension of the mind 
of man, except so far as He is pleased to 
reveal Himself by His divine power and 
spirit. It is good to acknowledge, in silent 
humiliation of soul, our own littleness, 
weakness, and dependence — to adore the 



BY THE WAY. 



101 



goodness that invites us in spirit to look 
up to Him as the infinite and beneficent 
Parent of the universe. How fearful should 
it be to us to come before Him with un- 
authorized professions, instead of waiting 
in the humble and sincere desire of know- 
ing His will concerning us, How much is 
the hidden life obscured by a rest in out- 
ward forms, in which the lips are taught to 
make professions that are frequently at va- 
riance with the real truth, 0 ! that Chris- 
tians could see the necessity of cherishing 
above all things the heavenly seed — the 
seed of the Kingdom— and give it room to 
spread and grow under the refining and 
quickening influences of the Sun of Righte- 
ousness, and the gentle and refreshing 
dews of heavenly love. We must rest 
with respect to religious attainment on 
the right direction of the heart towards 
the source of everlasting goodness. No 
profession of faith in Christ can ever for 
a moment be substituted for a submission 



102 



A BROOK 



to the redeeming and governing influences 
of His Spirit, which would bring all under 
his dominion and guidance. The subject is 
one of awful responsibility, and it may be 
thought that so full a subjection to the 
controlling power of the Holy Spirit is 
nothing less than Christian perfection ; but 
who has attained to this ? Let not even 
this inquiry lead us to lower the standard. 
Truth is Truth : and if we love the Lord 
sincerely, our whole life and conversation 
must evidence the fruits of such feelings. 
Duty, however, must be pursued, even in 
the path of self-denial and the daily cross. 
The practices and customs of the world 
may oppose, we may appear singular and 
fastidious, we may be tempted in many 
ways, yet nothing can justify a deviation 
from what we know to be right, or allow a 
neglect of known duty. Strength will be 
given, if sought from the Redeemer ; and 
His grace will, under all circumstances, be 
found sufficient. It is only in subjection to 



BY THE WAY 



103 



His grace and power, that we can have re- 
demption, and not in any routine of mere 
outward performances, nor in any specula- 
tive professions of faith and trust. If, amid 
such professions, men will still choose their 
own ways, and refuse to submit to that daily 
cross to the human will, which is enjoined 
by the Spirit of Christ; if, instead of deny- 
ing ourselves, and our own wills, and follow- 
ing Christ, we, by unsubjected dispositions, 
and uncontrolled conduct, evince that we 
do not seek for and submit to His govern- 
ment, but deny Him, we may assuredly ex- 
pect that He will deny us ; yet he abideth 
faithful — He cannot deny Himself. The 
standard of Christianity cannot be lowered 
by the mistaken judgment of its professors. 
The Truth requires, that "whether we eat 
or drink, or whatsoever we do, we should 
do all to the glory of God;" that a sense 
of responsibility to Him in all things should 
govern us, and even in the most common 
actions of daily life, we should acknowledge 



104 



A BKOOR 



and experience a subjection to His will, that 
He may be honoured by us in all things 

The solemn injunction should often be 
sounded in the minds of every Christian, 
whatever be his office in the Church of 
Christ : " Be not conformed to this world ; 
but be ye transformed, by the renewing of 
your minds, that ye may prove wdiat is 
that good and acceptable and perfect will of 
Grod." There are various combats to main- 
tain in the militant church, and perhaps in 
England, a chief one should be, against 
too much love of ease, and individual en- 
joyment of surrounding comforts, these too 
often unfit the mind for arduous duties ; 
w r hich, from the state of the world, both at 
home and abroad, are required at the hands 
of the sincere followers of Jesus. 

Although all about us appears like a dark 
and cloudy day, yet I have felt the consol- 
ing belief, that heavenly goodness will still 



BY THE WAY. 



105 



support the Christian cause, and the lan- 
guage has again and again passed through 
ray mind, " Ye are not straitened in me." 
May a watch be maintained against what- 
ever would hinder the progress towards 
complete refinement from all that originates 
in self. I feel convinced the path of 
self-denial, and even of severe self-renunci- 
ation, must be my lot, if I would enjoy true 
peace, and act according to appointed duty. 
Let crucifixion of the will be endured, 
rather than the more terrible consequence 
of, " Ye have chosen your own ways, and 
shall be filled with your own devices." 

Every sincere professor of Christianity 
ought to live in the remembrance, that he 
is not at his own disposal, or at liberty to 
choose his own ways. 

It would be a good practice for persons 
of all ages, and in any season of life, to 
reflect, at the close of each day, as in the 



106 



A BROOK 



presence of the Most High, on their feelings 
and conduct during the past day, and to 
present to themselves such inquiries as 
these : — How have I been this day occupied? 
Have I been diligent in the duties of my 
calling, and watchful with respect to my 
mind and conduct? Have I done any- 
thing I know was wrong, or neglected 
what was right to be done, and in what 
have I thus acted amiss ? Have I spoken 
or acted unkindly towards any one, absent 
or present I Have I kept in remembrance 
the presence of the Most High, and sought 
to be redeemed from whatever is incon- 
sistent with his will \ 

When we are awake in the morning, be- 
fore we leave our rooms, to enter into the 
cares of the day, let us seek to have the 
mind directed for help to the Most High, 
supplicating secretly for strength to fulfil 
the duties of the day, and for preservation 
from everything that is wrong. 



BY THE WAY. 



107 



I have lately recollected the sufferings I 
at times endured when a child, in the con- 
templation of an eternity of being. It 
appeared so much beyond any idea that 
could be associated with time. I also re- 
member the relief that I felt when still 
very young, by a perception passing over 
my mind like lightning, which caused me 
to understand that the Infinite Being had 
power to make me happy for ever — that 
eternity would be a season ever present, 
and that on the wisdom and goodness of 
God I might fully rest, even with regard 
to things utterly beyond my comprehension, 
seeing that all was under the control and 
guidance of an infinitely beneficent Creator. 
Soon after this time, having got into an un- 
watchful and comparatively indifferent state 
of mind, I felt reproved and depressed with 
the apprehension that it would be more 
salutary to me, to be even suffering as 
I had been, from the contemplation of 
unfathomable mystery, than relieved from 



108 



A BROOK 



such suffering, to sink into a careless state 
of mind. 

How utterly inadequate to the happiness 
of man is all that this world can afford 
where the arm of Omnipotence is not found 
a support in the day of trouble, and where 
the refuge which can alone effectually shel- 
ter is unsought for and unknown ! 

I feel it necessary to keep in view the 
salutary injunction^ " Redeem the time." 
Much may be lost for want of proper dis- 
patch in our manner of going about things, 
and for want of the right apportioning of 
time to different purposes. 

My mind has been impressed with the 
truth, that " God is no respecter of persons, 
but in every nation, he that feareth Him, 
and worketh righteousness is accepted of 
Him." This conveys an awful truth — it is 
not any advantage of education, or talent, or 



BY THE WAY. 



109 



natural disposition, or any circumstance 
whatever, that can commend to His favour. 
It is only those who truly fear Him, and 
act on righteous principles, that can be ac- 
cepted with Him. How much it is to be 
desired that we should dwell in this fear- — 
and our ways and our doings be under the 
influence of this principle, 

I have felt, and feel now, the want of 
greater dedication of heart, to be prepared 
to be as instrumental of good to the people 
here as is desirable. One may pass an hour 
in what is called civilized society, among 
persons whose characters are superior to 
many, and not feeling strength to give a 
useful turn to the conversation, we may 
come away with a spent, vapid feeling, and 
not be free from a spirit of mourning, both 
for ourselves and others. How much is it 
to be desired, that the standard of truth and 
righteousness should always be visibly held 
up, wherever the professors of Christianity 

K 



110 



A BROOK 



meet, yet without any forced expressions, 
or anything in conversation opposed to the 
real simplicity of Truth. 

Near the close of our little Meeting to- 
day, I felt my mind affected with the con- 
sciousness, that although the Divine Being 
can onty be known to His rational creatures 
by the revelation of Himself, so far as He 
is pleased to reveal himself to them, (and 
there is cause for the humbling inquiry, 
" Canst thou by searching, find out God ?") 
— yet He leaves not Himself without wit- 
ness of His power and wisdom, even 
amongst those of His intelligent creatures 
wherever dwelling, who are regarded as 
the last of the least, among the children of 
men. 

" Redeem the time," is much in the ear 
of my mind. To lose short spaces that 
might be redeemed to useful purposes is re- 
laxing to t he habit, and especially for females, 



BY THE WAY. 



Ill 



who,bypropercare,mayhave generally some 
I little easy employment for intervals, not 
that the hands need constantly to be em- 
ployed, or the mind always at work : bodily 
and mental relaxation is occasionally quite 
needful. We need the right appropriation 
of our days and hours, allowing what is 
needful for rest, in order to succeed in our 
occupations without hurry, neglect, or un- 
necessary fatigue. There is much advantage 
in right timing our employments, andwe 
who profess to have schools for instruction, 
ought surely to show, that we have learned, 
or are endeavouring to learn to do well our- 
selves. Promptly to apply to the various 
duties of the day, even to those duties which 
may appear of minor importance, is salutary 
to the mind. 

On First day morning, when A— T — ■ 
and I alone were in the Meeting ; my mind 
was impressed with a feeling, that I believe 
it will be well to keep in remembrance — that 



112 



A BROOK 



we must dwell under the power of the cross, 
if we would hope to know the blessedness 
of the crown, 

I well recollect the painful reasoning in 
my own mind, when inquiring in myself, 
whether I could be resigned to separate from 
my Mary, should duty call for it; — or 
whether such separation could really be re- 
quired. My mind was stilled in a moment, 
as I sat in Meeting, by the silent but so- 
lemn appeal ; 44 Shall I not do what I will 
with mine own?" May we rest in seeking 
only to knoiv our heavenly Master's will, 
and to be favoured with His guidance — and 
leave all events, anxious only to follow Him, 
and knowing that in thus acting, every 
good purpose will be the most effectually 
served, whatever may be the appearance of 
our conduct in the eyes of the world. 

Do not the members of the Church of 
England, acknowledge something like a ces- 



BY THE WAY. 



113 



sation from outward exercises, when in the 
midst of the morning service, the organ is 
played without the sound of voices, and the 
minister, and all the people sit still ? 

In an account which I have read of 
one of the Church of England schools, it 
is remarked, that a pause takes place at 
a certain time, before leaving, and the 
children are recommended to reflect on the 
mercies of God, and on their own faults ; 
the testimony borne to the efficacy of this 
practice is striking. It w T as remarked, that 
" nothing had been so effectual as a means 
towards leading them to acknowledge what 
they had done wrong, and to receive any 
favourable impression on their minds," or 
language to this effect. 

I have cause to be happy and thankful, 
in being permitted to act in the service of 
others, although I may be as to earthly 
treasure, ranked with the widow who has 

k2 



Ill 



A BEOOK 



but two mites. The subject of regret is a 
want of a more prompt dedication, and 
more lively sense of duty to lead me from 
day to day. 

I have had trials, and may yet have, — 
in one lately, which was solely of a nature 
connected with religious concerns, I was 
ready to say, as on some former occasions ; 
How shall deliverance be wrought I Yet 
without any outward agency, or communi- 
cation with any individual, my most mer- 
ciful Father, has I trust spoken peace and 
deliverance, in calling my attention to 
deeply interesting duties, and giving me to 
feel how much cause I have humbly and 
gratefully to acknowledge His goodness in 
guiding my path into the way of peace, and 
supporting, when the billows seemed ready 
to overwhelm me. 

What a favour it is to feel, that peace 
with all men (so far as I know) is the cloth- 



BY THE WAY. 



115 



ing of my spirit, and that no impediment 
from that quarter fetters my mind. I 
believe the docility of the child should be 
the habit of feeling with me. The watch- 
fulness, which solicitously guards against 
whatever might tend to wound the best life, 
should be the state which we daily seek to 
attain. 

I have much temptation at times to 
depressed feeling, from several causes and 
considerations, yet it enervates the mind, 
and I seem to lose mental strength when it 
is indulged. A conflict should be maintained 
against it, and a willingness live in my 
heart to do whatever may be required, how 
— where,- — and when, without shrinking. 
But this renunciation of will is not at 
times an easy lesson. The power which 
is our support, if truly sought, will prove 
sufficient. 

I have been thinking often within these 



116 



A BROOK 



few days, that we, as a Society possessing, 
as many do, great accommodations at home, 
have need to guard carefully against that 
indulgence of ease, which disinclines to 
arduous and self-denying labour on behalf 
of the poor, and for the spread of religious 
improvement. 0 ! that we may be enabled 
to keep guard against this relaxation, and 
shew gratitude to Him from whom we have 
received so many favours, both spiritual and 
temporal, by a devoted application to the 
welfare and improvement of others, as in- 
struments in His hands who calls them to 
His vineyard, and imparts the power to 
labour rightly in it, whether in the lesser 
or larger departments. 

It is at times difficult — yet I trust it 
will not be found impossible for me to look 
to a longer continuance, in having no em- 
ployment by which to obtain an income for 
my own support. Perhaps, this may still 
be some years distant, and if it should, may 



BY THE WAY. 117 

I be enabled willingly to pursue the path 
marked out for other duties ; and especially 
these three African translations — religious 
education in Ireland — and the promotion 
of a society in this country and elsewhere, 
for Christian improvement by friendly com- 
munication, on such subjects as are inte- 
resting, not only to the welfare of the poor, 
but to the happiness and well-being of every 
class of society. This communication to be 
truly effectual, should originate in that 
Christian feeling, which leads invariably in 
all classes and professions to the love of God 
and the love of man. 

Spent the evening with a dear friend. 
We conversed on the different directions of 
benevolence, and agreed in the opinion, that 
there was deficiency in the result of mea- 
sures, in which the outward condition of the 
people only was the subject of sympathy 
and care, and their minds left untended. I 
renewed the remembrance of Dr. Chalmers' 



118 



A BROOK 



suggestion as to the necessity for a localiz- 
ing system to bring the lowest and most 
neglected of the people into view. 

I have felt within these few days, that 
it will not be sufficient to seek occasional 
opportunities only of retirement, but that 
I must not omit to devote a short season 
to silent feeling wherever I am, before 
retiring to rest, and also before leaving 
my room, to engage in the concerns of the 
day. I have been sometimes ready to con- 
clude, that the last moments of an evening 
were not the best for such an engagement ; 
but it does not feel right to retire without 
directing some of our latest thoughts to 
Him on whom we depend for life, and 
breath ; and every blessing. 

The time seems near, when those among 
us, who desire above all things the, preva- 
lence of the Redeemer's power in the hearts 
of people, should devote themselves yet more 
than they have done, in some directions for 



BY THE WAY. 



the spreading of the Truth in the love 
of it. And there appears in the state of 
things in different parts of the earth, a loud 
call to devotedness, real devotedness in 
those, who have known through Heavenly 
favour, the powerful visitation of redeeming 
goodness, in the revelation of Christ in their 
hearts and minds, without sin unto salvation. 
It is this living experience of the redeem- 
ing power, that the w T orld wants before and 
j above all outward observances. Yet will 
the prevailance of this power not leave us 
languid and unen^a^ed on behalf of others, 
but each in his sphere of apprehended duty, 
will, as Truth opens the way, be acting 
for the instruction and consolation of his 
fellow-creatures, in harmony with that pure 
principle which desires in all things to ac- 
knowledge God, and supplicates that He 
may direct the steps. I apprehend, that 
in strict adherence to the guidance of this 
Divine principle, some among us will be led 
to instruct others in the principles of Truth 



120 



A BROOK 



and love. This instruction to be imparted 
without money and without price, from 
the written records which have been given 
for our learning, and from examples of 
such as have loved the Lord J esus in sin- 
cerity, thus many gainsayers will be con- 
vinced of the love, that seeketh not its 
own, yea, it will prove by its actions the 
source from which it proceeds. 

I think an association will be formed in 
the bond of Christian principle for pro- 
moting Christian practice, as the fruit of 
that principle ; and that this institution will 
circulate through the press, in different 
parts of the world, strong appeals on 
the real nature and ground of Christi- 
anity, yet without any hard or violent 
attacks on the errors of such as have 
not been led to see the spirituality of the 
Christian dispensation, as more fully 
revealed in these latter days. It is not, 
indeed, the mere assent to the truth of this 



BY THE WAY. 



121 



revelation, but the submission to its refining 
and renovating power, that can bring peace 
and salvation. " Great peace have they who 
love Thy law,' 1 that is—who yield obedience 
to its manifestations, and conform to its 
requiring®. Let us not dwell on the diffi- 
culties to nature. " Greater is He that is 
in you, than he that is in the world," was 
the consoling language conveyed to the dis- 
ciples : and if obedience from day to day be 
dwelt on, hard things may be made easy, 
and bitter things sweet. Only let us not 
desire to gird ourselves, and go where we 
will — let us not seek to choose our own 
ways, but only desire to live to Him wdio 
hath loved us, and given Himself for us. 

If we would have the prevalence of Divine 
power in our religious meetings, we must 
be concerned also out of Meeting, to bow in 
spirit before Him who made heaven and 
earth. 



L 



122 



A BROOK 



My path is encompassed with some trials 
of faith and patience, yet these must, I be- 
lieve, be for the present silently submitted 
to, without any attempt to avoid them by 
efforts of my own. 

If the heart be engaged to seek after 
good, let not feelings of depression sink the 
mind too low — never despair. He who 
has power to sustain, will often restore 
consolation, and at seasons bring joy after 
sorrow, — from a time of trial introduce 
unexpected deliverance. It seems now 
desirable to keep as it were in my tent, as 
much as may be, for a season, and wait for 
guidance. How greatly do I need the re- 
novating power from day to day ! There 
is an awfulness in the path before me, and 
I feel the critical nature of several concerns 
that cannot fail deeply to engage me ; and 
I feel too, that unless Divine power shall be 
mercifully extended for my help and sup- 
port, I must sink under a sense of weak- 



BY THE WAY. 



123 



ness and insufficiency, yet let mc hope 
and trust in Him, " who ever liveth, and 
changeth not.' 1 

There is need to guard in our intercourse 
with each other, lest the eye be too much 
outward, and we lose that sense of the 
divine presence which should chasten all our 
thoughts, and keep our actions and our 
words — simple — the heart imbued with 
the feeling of his presence who is God 
over all. 

After returning from Meeting, a dear 
friend sat down with us, (Dr. S.) and read 
the 40th chapter of Isaiah, which he said, 
had been much before his mind on the pre- 
vious day. He with much sweetness and 
feeling, brought before us some subjects, 
which he said, often engaged his attention 
on the evening of the Sabbath day. The 
remembrance of the many Christian congre- 
gations, assembled for the worship of their 



124 



A BROOK 



heavenly Father, — the number of pious 
persons in different parts of the world, who 
were feeling for each other, and desiring the 
enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
My mind was humbled, and enlarged in 
desire, that the sincere in heart, of every 
name, might be led more and more openly 
to engage in the labours of love, which are 
directed to the hearts and minds of the 
people, and for which I cannot doubt, but a 
qualification would be given, if the prevalence 
of the power of Christ in our own minds 
were sought before and above all things. 

On the way between Tottenham and 
London, the impressive language of the 
40th of Isaiah (particularly the five first 
verses) was brought powerfully before me. 
The great Sacrifice, by which comfort is 
brought to the Lord's people, and through 
which the warfare must be accomplished, 
the iniquity forgiven, and through the 
influence of which every valley shall be 



BY THE WAV. 



125 



exalted — the mountains and the hills made 
low — the depressed spirit raised — the 
lofty reduced and brought down, and I 
thought much of the time when 4; the glory 
of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh 
shall see it together." 

A feeling of the claims of Christianity, 
and a view of the purity and excellency, 
that a full submission to its influence 
would yield, accompanied with a sense of 
the short comings of myself and others 
professing its sacred doctrines, is painfully 
alive. Still I may acknowledge much that 
is very beautiful and excellent in many 
characters, who have not even attained to 
that degree of perfection which is the Chris- 
tian's standard. I have been and am so cir- 
cumstanced, as to be within the sphere of 
engagements of deep interest and of very 
extensive concern ; and having to take a 
part in some such engagements, involves 
me in deep responsibility and often great 

l2 



126 



A SHOOK 



thoughtfulness, I am led also to the con- 
sideration of the state of things in societv, 
both at home and abroad ; the miseries and 
sins in some parts of the metropolis ; the 
conflicting feeling, and various difficulties, 
in Ireland ; the slavery and degradation of 
the poor in Africa ; and the affecting state 
of things in the New World, both as re- 
gards the coloured population, and those 
who should ere this, have been, to a wide 
extent, their instructors in Christian truth; 
— a state of things altogether, which cannot 

OS 7 

be contemplated without feeling that there 
is much out of the Divine harmony. In 
past days I have rejoiced in the arising and 
spreading of light ; but I knew not then the 
extent of the darkness. 

Whether my time be longer or shorter 
in this present scene, it appears my duty 
and calling to seek after a spirit of watch- 
fulness unto prayer. May I be willing to 
resign freely whatever is not permitted to 



BY THE WAY. 



127 



be enjoyed ; and that without ungratefully 
slighting those enjoyments, even of present 
things, which may be allowed, and which 
my nature may require, as the Society, and 
intercourse of relations, friends, &c. 

A little hope was raised to-day, in Meet- 
ing, in the remembrance dwelling on my 
mind of that language of the Psalmist. 
" Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise 
Him who is the health of my countenance 
and my God." Yet of late, little of con- 
solation has been known as in days past, 
whether in or out of Meetings. My 
own want of fidelity and attention to duty, 
is yet more to be mourned than even 
this, and is probably the greatest cause of 
what has been suffered. I minute these 
things I know against myself ; but I am not 
satisfied to do otherwise. If I live, I may 
compare this with some future day, and 
more fully see how it has been with me ; 
and a3 to what may be my allotment, it 



128 



A BROOK 



was perhaps never less evident than at 
present, where, for the ensuing six months 
may be my occupation or my home. I have 
much cause for thankfulness, and cannot 
doubt, that unworthy as I am, providen- 
tial goodness will still, in infinite mercy, 
direct my path. One thing is clear — 
there is abundant occupation before me. 

We, as a Society, have to guard against 
assimilating with what is not consistent 
with our principles, and especially where, 
in a state of affluence, people of different 
societies may almost insensibly be led to 
depart from real simplicity in their manner 
of living, when answering what they con- 
ceive to be the claims of hospitality and 
kind intercourse with each other. How 
much need is there to guard in this quar- 
ter from, or rather seek to be guarded 
by a higher influence from, a relaxing and 
benumbing effect, which will be produced 
where the eye is too much outward; and 



BY THE WAY. 



129 



to watch lest the love of popularity, or the 
praise of men, mix itself so with the feelings 
of Christian sympathy, as to prevent the 
good to its full extent that might be done, 
if the mind were kept pure and in its true 
direction ; but danger does not preclude 
duty. Friends and others of different 
professions, unite in civil concerns, — -in 
trade and commerce — they have dangers 
to encounter here ; but they go on. And 
shall not the claims of benevolence in- 
duce them also to venture on the course 
in which there may be unavoidably attend- 
ant danger, but not any unconquerable 
difficulties \ Persons of different profes- 
sions may yet be united in the bonds of 
Christian love, and may help and strengthen 
one another. Let us propose such a union 
— let us seek to do good to the bodies 
and minds of our fellow-creatures, if so it 
may be permitted to us — let us follow our 
Redeemer whithersoever He will lead us ; 
and, influenced by His heavenly power, go 



ISO 



A BROOK 



about doing good. Let us form plans of 
benevolence and social care, and of brotherly 
intercourse for good, that shall engage the 
attention of various classes, in larger or 
more limited spheres, each according to his 
ability and inclination, as minor instruc- 
tors in voluntary schools, as visitors of dis- 
tricts for the loan of approved tracts, as 
visitors of the sick, of hospitals, or in what- 
ever way social duties shall call attention 
to ; whilst others guide the helm in the 
various local institutions connected with 
the concern. The present is a season of 
close exercise and conflict in various institu- 
tions ; but Truth and love will spread, and 
eventually prevail, and conciliation without 
compromise should be the order of the 
day. 

I feel that, as Friends, we have a part 
to take in Christian love to society at large, 
beyond what we have yet done, in the pro- 
motion of Truth and righteousness on the 



BY THE WAY. 



131 



earth, by the spreading of those principles 
which are professed by us, as a Society, and 
declaring, in the sight of the people, what 
are the testimonies given us to bear. How 
do I desire to see them more openly de- 
clared, in a way that may be presented 
before both high and low, rich and poor, 
so as to become the witness for Truth 
in the minds of many ! What is it that 
keeps us back from the more full and 
open declaration and promulgation of these 
principles ? Is it not, that we do not dwell 
in the light so fully as to bring us into 
deep feeling for those, on whom its reno- 
vating influence has been but little known ? 
That many experience this feeling I do not 
doubt ; yet its more general prevalence 
would induce, I apprehend, a much 
stronger zeal in desiring, with our honoured 
elder, George Fox, to see the Truth spread 
through the nations. There is at present, 
I believe, an inquiry in many minds con- 
cerning the principles and views by which 



132 



A BROOK 



we as a Society are actuated. And, O ! 
that this inquiry might be fully met. 

One thing is needful, dedication ; and for 
the rest, we may leave ourselves to be 
guided and directed as infinite wisdom 
shall see meet, and we shall be permitted 
to see what is right for us to do, or to leave 
undone. 

How great is the privilege of leisure which 
I have enjoyed, and hope still to enjoy, to 
attend to suggestions for the good of 
others, whether arising in my own mind, or 
by the conversation of friends, and it is 
a duty to take care, whatever my outward 
situation may be, to retain, if possible, this 
great privilege, and to use it rightly, remem- 
bering it is a gift to be accounted for, to the 
beneficent Director and Comptroller of all 
the concerns of men; who calls us as he sees 
meet, to work in any department of his 
vineyard, and will give finally the due re- 



BY THE WAY. 



133 



ward to all who have obeyed His call. Let 
not the eye of man be evil, because his 
Lord is good, or complain, because some 
who seem to have wrought as but one hour, 
shall be recompensed as those who to human 
view, have borne the heat and burden of 
the day. Obedience to His call, is the right 
— the good work, and this must, through 
infinite love and condescension, meet with 
final acceptance. There is nothing whereof 
to glory, save in the cross of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, by submission to 
which, w T e shall become crucified to the 
world's spirit, and the world to us. How 
strictly ought we to guard, lesfc in being 
even rightly introduced into various com- 
panies, and to some in the higher ranks of 
society, we assimilate improperly in any 
degree with what is contrary to the self- 
denying, cross-bearing power of the religion 
of our Lord. 

Have I not of late been permitted to ex- 

M 



1U 



A BROOK 



perience a state like that described to have 
been poor Peter's lot in the time of trial ; 
" Satan hath desired to have thee that he 
might sift thee as wheat/'' 0 ! how great 
the mercy interposing ; "I have prayed 
the Father that thy faith fail not." Let 
me then not shrink from my remaining 
suffering, but be thankful for recent pre- 
servation through what has been felt — and 
may I be enabled to " trust in the Lord 
for ever," for, however, limited may be my 
own powers, " there is in the Lord J ehovah 
everlasting strength." I am constrained 
to acknowledge my low degree of faith, 
though never, I am disposed to hope, 
quite out of its exercise ; but how unwor- 
thily my heart has been limited in its views 
in this respect ! Confessing my desert of 
suffering, I have been led to petition for for- 
giveness, in and through an ever compas- 
sionate Redeemer, who "has borne our 
griefs and carried our sorrows," and by 
"whose stripes," His unworthy disciples 



BY THE WAY. 



135 



are mercifully brought to know themselves 
61 healed." Never may this day of humili- 
ation be lost to my remembrance, but ever 
in its recollection, excite the feeling of gra- 
titude and praise, for every dispensation, 
whatever it be, which shall bring me to a 
deeper sense of infinite and unmerited 
mercy. Should trials yet await me, may I 
be enabled humbly to feel, that I have re- 
ceived many and unmerited favours, and 
may I submit without complaining to what 
may be against my natural will, or even 
greatly opposed to it. If favours should 
still be conferred, though undeserved, may 
all lead my heart to humble adoration 
of the Giver of every good : feeling that 
He is 

" Good in his gifts, supremely good, 
Nor less when He denies ; 
E'en crosses in His sov'reign hand, 
Are blessings in disguise." 

Our first desire should ever be to prepare 
by resignation in all our ways, and with all 



136 



A BROOK 



our hearts to His will, for the enjoyment of 
himself and of his gifts', even here, and for 
becoming through infinite mercy, finally of 
the children of the resurrection, who are as 
the angels. 

At the funeral of a friend, my mind was 
under weighty impression of the necessity 
of cherishing a deeply reverential feeling 
before the Most High, who made heaven 
and earth, the seas, and the fountains of 
water, and who infinite in holiness, can 
only be worshipped in spirit and in truth, 
through the medium he Himself hath 
appointed, and in the subduing of all that 
is of our own nature. 

Whilst I desire not, nor can conceive 
anything more sublime and delightful, 
than a silent assembling for divine worship 
among Christians who really feel the nature 
of the worship which is in " spirit and in 
truth"— I cannot but apprehend, that all are 



BY THE WAY. 



137 



not prepared to enter unaided by outward 
observances into this habit of assembling 
for a purpose so sacred. And I believe it 
right that we who feel it good for ourselves, 
should consider by what means the real 
improvement in devotional feeling may be 
promoted in others, not yet prepared for a 
system so divested of what may engage the 
senses ; and to consider also whether this 
may not be done without the violation of 
any principle, which we, as a Society pro- 
fess. Do we not, even ourselves, on some 
occasions, introduce written communications 
tending to stir up that which is good in the 
way of remembrance \ Domestic instruction 
is considered as a part of duty, and the 
frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures in 
families as a part of our Christian duty as 
a Society. May we not rightly extend 
by written testimonials such instruction, 
in religious assemblies designed for the more 
uninstructed ranks of society, and also 
admit the indulgence of vocal music, pro- 

m2 



188 A BROOK 

vided that in so doing, the truth is not 
violated, 

A grievous conflict of mind, arising from 
the fear, that should a provision be made 
for me, independent of my own exertions, 
there might be some painful fetter to my 
mind. 

" I feel for the poor, but what do I do 
for them V was the impressive query of a 
young girl, who afterwards acted to excel- 
lent purpose, as well as felt an affecting 
sympathy. t6 What do I do for them?"— to 
all who profess to feel as Christians for the 
wants and the sufferings — the sins and the 
sorrows of that mass of society, who, whether 
from misconduct, or unfavourable circum- 
stances, or both, are dwelling in a land of 
plenty, but suffering poverty and want; and 
in a country abounding with means of in- 
struction, yet a prey to ignorance, and vic- 
tims to temptation, to crime, and to suffer- 



BY THE WAY. 



139 



ing, the inquiry is fraught with import- 
ance. We want a Christian institution in 
action, that will go deeply and fully into the 
state of the poor, and the causes as well as 
consequences of misery and neglected educa- 
tion. Education, comprises not school in- 
struction alone for the poor, but religious 
care; and I long to see more of this in 
action among: us as a Society. Might 
not Friends collect at their own houses 
the children of a little local district, 
and read to them and teach them once 
a-week ? 

Twelve months ago, we were drawing near 
the shores of England. Great has been my 
suffering at seasons since that time, and in 
the last two months, amidst close conflict, 
I have been ready to cry out in secret, 
" When shall it be with me as in days 
past V When shall I again know some- 
thing like a home and certain prospects I 
But let all this be left to my Lord. 



140 



A BROOK 



I will be thankful that in Meeting and in 
retirement there is a feeling at seasons so- 
lemn and precious. Yesterday, I was much 
favoured in this respect, and longed to grow 
in the sense of the divine presence. I may 
thankfully acknowledge, that I have cause 
to be happy, and to dwell under a grateful 
sense of Divine goodness. 

How earnestly do I desire to know the 
day in which the powerful and subduing in- 
fluence of the Redeemer's spirit shall be so 
humblingly felt on the minds of professors 
of Christianity, that His sacred name 
shall not be uttered, nor subjects connected 
with the everlasting kingdom ever spoken 
of, but with humiliation and reverence. 

How very painful is it to hear at seasons 
a plea for what is called the cause of Christi- 
anity, urged in hardness and even bitter- 
ness of spirit, and the sacred doctrines of 
the gospel spoken of, in a way which shews 



BY THE WAY . 



141 



that the self-righteous pride and exultation, 
which our Redeemer so forcibly pointed 
out as an object of His condemnation is 
still unsubdued. 

To-day, I have been to Gracechurch Street 
Meeting. It was silent, and I do not know 
that at any time my mind has been favoured 
to dwell under a more weighty feeling of the 
sublime and heavenly nature of that wor- 
ship, which needs not the intervention of 
outward forms, but falls down in spirit be- 
fore Him who formed Heaven and earth, 
and who sees all that is passing within us. 
What can we desire more than to be par- 
takers of a privilege so precious, as to dw r ell 
in silence before Him, seeking only the 
influence of His heavenly power to operate 
to the renewal and refinement of our spirit I 
Near the close of the meeting, my mind was 
deeply impressed with the aw T ful language of 
the text, " I will dwell in them, and I will 
be their God, and they shall be my people." 



U2 



A BROOK 



That is, I will abide in them by my holy 
influence — I will declare my power in their 
dedicated and righteous walking before 
the eyes of the people. I will be their God, 
and they shall declare, by their life and con- 
versation in the world, that they are my 
people. 

The great point is to know our calling 
and to pursue it, and infinite goodness will 
provide what our nature requires of the 
solace of friendship. I want the quiet 
domesticated feeling in social intercourse, 
which is enjoyed often in distant parts of this 
country, remote from the metropolis. In 
the present state of things here, many are so 
engrossed with cares and occupations, that 
there is but little leisure for that kind of 
intercourse : yet how often has it been 
found both refreshing and stimulating to 
that which is good. 

Let a fair appeal in open day be made to 



BY THE WAY. 



US 



the consciences of the people to help one 
another, because it is their Heavenly Father's 
will, and because, His will ever leads to the 
happiness of the giver of the friendly aid, 
as well as to the improvement and comfort 
of its receiver, I am ready to fear that 
sometimes people who might be instruments 
of much good, were their own minds suffi- 
ciently prepared for it by a humble feeling 
concerning themselves, and a reliance on the 
aid of Divine Providence, are hindered in 
their usefulness by too much reliance on 
their own doings, and a propensity to attri- 
bute only what is due to Divine direction 
and blessing to some other source — at least 
to be too much elated if success attend. It 
is easier to express in words, than to declare 
in action ; " Not unto us, 0 Father, not 
unto us, but unto Thy name be praise, " 
should not our inmost hearts acknowledge 
that in reality to Him as the mover of every 
thought, and the supporter of every good 
act, to Him alone the praise is justly due, 



144 



A BROOK 



and that instruments can only, as instru- 
ments, fulfil His pleasure ? 

Whatever may be my future allotment, 
the present season will be remembered as a 
season of close conflict — sometimes cheered 
by the opening prospects of good, and 
sometimes depressed by a sense of suffer- 
ing, which perhaps ought not to be so 
keenly felt, and which can only effectually 
be overcome in present circumstances, 
by a reliance on Divine Providence, and 
an entire submission to whatever may 
appear to prepare me for the more fully 
accomplishing what I have apprehended to 
be my calling. To live the servant of the 
poor and the uninstructed, let me be satis- 
fied with a life of abstraction — of divest- 
ment as to property, and seek only to be a 
humble follower of Him whose kingdom w T as 
not of this world. May I neither desire 
nor seek to live as in the workTs spirit — but 
to be above all things 'perfectly redeemed. 



BY THE WAY. 



145 



To-day the sentiment of the apostle 
was brought with lively feeling to my view. 
Not as though I had already attained, or 
were already perfect, but this one thing I 
do, forgetting the things that are behind 
and reaching forth to those things that are 
before I press toward the mark. 

During last night, I awoke, and remem- 
bered to have had brought to my recollec- 
tion in sleep, the blessed Redeemer's com- 
munication with the woman at Jacob's 
well— one with whom the high-minded 
would have scorned to communicate ; but 
His mission was to pour forth good counsel, 
and point out the means of healing to all 
ranks, and stations, and descriptions of 
mankind. 

Sometimes I have been induced to 
forbear sitting down quietly alone, from 
feeling so unprepared, and afraid of not 
attaining to more than a form of retire- 

N 



146 



A BROOK 



ment ; but it is brought to my view, that 
we must supplicate inwardly, as we may 
be enabled in the little strength we have, 
for ability to resign ourselves to the 
guidance of infinite love, and to follow 
Him day by clay. 

I feel this morning cause of thankfulness 
in the guarding care of infinite goodness, 
and a sense too, that in the path I shall 
yet have to tread, there will be calls f u- 
tile exercise of watchfulness, although with- 
out the fear that would cause bondage. 

I am sensible that the acknowledgment 
is due to Infinite goodness for the peace 
w T ith which my mind was favoured yester- 
day. There seemed something over us, 
which I could not but regard as an evidence 
that the ''friend of publicans and sinners"'* 
was directing our path. May what shall 
be entered upon in this cause be done as 
unto Him. 



BY THE WAY. 



147 



Let those who have tasted that the Lord 
is gracious, feel and acknowledge they are 
not their own. It is evident to my mind, 
that in order to the just attention to the 
duty of my day, a considerable degree 
of abstractedness will be required, and a 
deep in-dwelling with t he principle of Di vine 
life, and an habitual turning away from 
things that would direct attention, and 
draw too much outward. Let me not con- 
sider what others think or expect of me, 
but rather what my Heavenly Master is 
requiring. And may I not in recurrence 
to excruciating sufferings in days lono; since 
past, feel that I am in degree to be weaned 
from all this world can give, and to be 
devoted to the service of the Master and 
His cause alone :— but, 0 ! let me not 
look outward but inward, and see there 
what is taught and what is required, and 
thus be favoured to know and be prepared 
for what yet remains to be done by 
me. Perhaps no more interesting duties 



148 



A BKOOK 



will ever call my attention, than some 
which are immediately before me. What 
a favour it is to have health and com- 
parative quiet of mind to enter on these 
engagements. It is now thirty years since 
my mind was decidedly turned to seek its 
peace in the redemption that is in Jesus, 
let fruits now appear more evidently than 
they have yet done, in dedication of heart 
and life, and daily breathings of spirit to 
Him, whose holy and beneficent pleasure it 
is, to renew strength to them that have no 
might. 

The great Parent of the universe can 
prepare for every duty, and but one thing is 
needful— to dwell as at the Redeemer's feet, 
and hear His voice, and seek to follow Him. 
How precious is the quiet into which the 
soul thus favoured is led, even amidst 
varied and arduous engagements ! How 
infinitely great is the goodness of our Hea- 
venly Father, who unworthy as we are. 



BY THE WAY. 



149 



still condescends tenderly to invite and 
direct us to scenes of duty, with the indubi- 
table assurance, that He will be with His 
weak dependent children in every sincere 
attempt to pursue the path to which He is 
pleased to direct. 

Let us feel the importance of our state 
as immortal beings, and with earnest soli- 
citude of heart, let the inquiry daily 
ascend to our Father who is in heaven ; 
What wouldest Thou have me to do? What 
wouldest Thou have me to leave undone ? 
It is not in the mere avoiding outward evil^ 
that we can hope to stand with acceptance 
in the sight of our Creator, but in that 
rmewal of the heart, through the Heavenly 
Spir it and poicer of our JRedeemer, in which 
all our motives become purified, and the love 
of God, the reigning and ruling principle of 
our life and conduct. And as this pure 
love gains ascendancy in the mind, all fet- 
tering fear is banished — and that language 

n 2 



150 



A BROOK 



is known from living experience to be a 
truth ; " Thou wilt keep him in perfect 
peace, whose mind is staid on Thee, he- 
cause lie trustetli in Thee" Let it be our 
daily prayer, that we may be favoured to 
attain, and to dwell under this inestimably 
precious and sustaining trust. I have had 
abundant cause to feel that I am in the 
hands of a kind and merciful Providence, 
who will supply everything needful for me, 
and who, I believe, at present, calls me to 
think not for myself but for others. Still 
I am favoured to say, that I am not aware 
of owing any man anything, but the fulfil- 
ment of the great command " Love one 
another." Let all that may be permitted 
me to offer of time, and thought, and feel- 
ing, be humbly and diligently devoted to 
the cause of Him to whom all is due. 

At noon, in the retrospect of a Meeting, 
at which I had been, although sensible 
condemnation was not felt, yet it was evi- 



BY THE WAY. 



151 



dent, that an attainment beyond what had 
yet been fully known must be sought after 
by me when thus gathered with my friends 
— an attainment in individual exercise 
before the Most High, more deep and un- 
remitting during the season of assembly. 
In the preciousness that spread over my 
mind early in the morning, trusting in the 
Lord, and seeing and feeling His goodness, 
I was fully aware that such a state of enjoy- 
ment could not be expected to continue ; 
yet wished that if hereafter seasons of great 
trial and suffering be permitted, I may be 
enabled to recur to present feelings, and to 
thank God and take courage. I had some 
obscure prospect even when very young, of 
some of the difficulties and enjoyments that 
might be experienced in passing through 
this scene of probation. Have I not been 
brought from happy experience, unworthy 
as I am, to acknowledge, that there is 
nothing of enjoyment in this world, not 
even in our natural and allowed affections, 



152 



A BROOK 



comparable to the precious feeling of Divine 
love — the in-dwelling sense of the goodness 
of the Lord ? 

Alas ! the great evil is, that many ima- 
gine they have performed divine worship, 
when they have uttered certain prayers 
and professions, without considering whe- 
ther those professions are sincere, and 
whether the tenor of the life and conver- 
sation corresponds with them in the sight 
of Him who searcheth the heart. 

The accounts we hear of the darkness and 
sinfulness of many parts of the world are 
heart- affecting and though we mav see much 
to lament in England, there is vet much 
to console. 0 ! that the beneficent Parent 
of the universe may be pleased to lead in a 
plain path, those who have been in a degree 
baptized into the feeling of the misery of 
man when separated from the Divine har- 
mony. 



BY THE WAY. 



153 



" There are diversities of gifts, but the 
same Spirit, and there are diversities of 
administrations, but the same Lord, and 
there are diversities of operations, but it is 
the same God which worketh all in all." 
Never can 'this one Infinite power which 
operates by its manifestations to every man, 
lead, or authorize any in the profession of 
feelings which are not present in the heart. 
Professions of repentance and of love, and 
of dedication, when they spring not from the 
right source, but are at variance with the 
real state of mind in those who utter them, 
must be a mixture of that which is of the 
world, and not of the Father— they ori- 
ginate in a want of that discrimination, 
which remembering that the Most High 
is a discerner of the thoughts and intents 
of the heart, fears to utter a word of pro- 
fession in His Sacred Name, which He 
would see inconsistent with the thought 
that is passing there. O ! that the pro- 
fessors of the Christian name could see and 



154 



A BROOK 



feel this, O ! that they would seek for Truth 
to guide and govern all their doings. 

Everything that we witness in the most 
degraded classes of the people in this metro- 
polis, confirms the conviction, that it is to 
early religious instruction and useful occu- 
pation, that we must look as the great 
instruments which Divine Providence will 
use for the restoration of the people in 
every country, from the state of vice and 
misery, which is, in its present consequences 
and in its future prospects, when contem- 
plated in a near view, so dreadfully appalling* 
The unhappiness is, that so many in the 
other classes of society, living in ease and 
indulgence, and reluctant to enter into what 
is painful and difficult, are too much dis- 
posed to turn away their eyes from the 
real state of the people in the lowest 
ranks, and to consider the evils that 
exist, as arising from some unavoidable 
cause, which is not their business to be at 



BY THE WAY. 



155 



the trouble of investigating. This coldness 
in one class of society towards the other, is, 
I fear, a cause of greater misery and even 
sin, than the open violence with which the 
world has been, and is still afflicted. 

Wars and outward discord with all their 
horrors display themselves, and the evils 
and sufferings they cause, induce in time 
their termination, — but the misery that 
arise from cold unheeding neglect, leaves its 
victims to pine and to suffer in secret, until 
they often become a prey to violent tempta- 
tion to crime, which must, we cannot doubt, 
bring condemnation, not only on each indi- 
vidual, (for none are compelled to do wrong 
however tempted.) but also on those who 
might have been the means of shielding 
them from temptation, and would not. 

Schools, and the care and instruction of 
little children are near to my heart. Yet 
I wish to be understood, as desiring bv 



156 



A BROOK 



suitable and comprehensive religious instruc- 
tion, to incite to religious feeling, and to the 
cultivation of Christian principles ; not to 
make any attack in public schools on pecu- 
liar sects ; but rather to point out what the 
Scriptures teach, and have each to form in 
future his own conclusions, as to what par- 
ticular profession he can most satisfactorily 
adhere to. This plan appears to me best, 
for it is very possible to proselyte from 
system to system, and to infuse a theoretic 
knowledge of particular doctrines, whilst 
the heart continues unrenewed by the in- 
fluence of the Redeemer's power. To incite 
to a desire for the attainment of this reno- 
■eating influence on the mind, is the great 
object, and without it, systems, and theories, 
and professions can be of little avail. 
May we be taught to guard against the 
errors into which many have fallen, of 
resting in knowledge of doctrines and correct 
views, and of not submitting in Christian 
simplicity to the reducing and controlling 



BY THE WAY. 



157 



power of Christ, which leads to secret piety 
and real benevolence. 

People may talk and avow Christian 
profession, without suffering its influence 
to lead to that self-denial to which our 
Eedeemer calls us, " If any man will be my 
disciple let him take up his cross daily, 
deny himself, and follow T me." We should 
dwell deep, to hear amidst the passing- 
varieties of life, the secret voice of the 
witness for Truth within us, teaching wdiat 
it is to deny self, renounce all self-com- 
placency and self-seeking, and desire only 
the prevalence of our Redeemer's power and 
His glory. Let the truth and the love of 
it. govern in all that we do, and think, and 
say. This is the state, in which, not being 
conformed to this world, w T e become trans- 
formed by the renewing of the mind, and 
are thus taught to prove by the prevalence 
of the light, what is that " good and accept- 
able and perfect will of God." It is only 

o 



158 



A BROOK 



as the will is bowed down before the Father 
of spirits, and made subject to Him, that 
we can expect to see clearly and discern 
between that which serveth God, and that 
which serveth Him not. 0 ! that some 
may be willing to dwell under this hum- 
bling, baptizing power — in and near to 
this great city, in which Light is so 
evidently at strife with Darkness. May 
some be willing to be as in the fortress, 
and to watch, and by a Christian warn- 
ing give notice to the combatants of 
the approach of their enemies. How 
deep and how dedicated should be the 
dwelling here ! How closed the ear 
against what mio'ht divert from the soui.d 
of the Master's voice, and how watchful 
and retired to keep the spiritual senses 
rightly alive and attentive ! Truly we 
should remember " we are strangers before 
Thee, and sojourners as were all our 
fathers, our days on the earth are as a 
shadow, and there is none abiding,'' 



BY THE WAY* 



159 



Is not the love that rejoiceth nut in 
iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, opposed 
to the feeling which displays gratification 
at the errors of others ? If love prevail fully, 
shall we not, in loving our neighbour as 
ourselves, feel pain for whatever we see 
erroneous or wrong in others ; and neither 
be pleased nor even amused with what in 
any degree lowers their character I 

I have read with deep interest Campbell's 
Observations on the Anii-christian tendency 
of Modern Education, and trust that Divine 
goodness is leading the minds of persons 
in various places, to feel what Christianity 
demands in this great cause — the education 
of the young. I have also been greatly 
interested, in looking into the two first 
numbers of a series of books for elementary 
instruction in Natural History, on Scrip- 
tural Principles, by Henry Althans. The 
spirit and feeling in which a book is written, 
always appear to me as its most important 



160 



A BROOK 



character, — it should indeed be correct as 
to the knowledge it professes to convey ; 
but whatever that knowledge may be, it 
should be conveyed with a reference to the 
feeling in which it is written — and of course 
to the Great First Cause. No doubt rests 
in my mind, but that there will be formed 
some association for promoting Christian 
education, by a provision of suitable books ; 
but it is evident that this will demand much 
application of time and talent, from the 
humblest agent who would devote him- 
self to the work of nursery education, to the 
Christian philosopher prepared and qualified 
through high attainments and religious feel- 
ing, to impart knowledge to those who are 
to fill the more influential departments of 
society. How greatly important is it, that 
all should be so imbued with Christian 
principle and feeling, as to be prepared 
to fill the stations allotted to them, in a 
manner consonant with the awful but too 
much neglected injunction, " whether ye 



BY THE WAY. 



161 



eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to 
the glory of God.*" 

I felt this morning a painful conviction 
of neglect, in real and continued application 
of heart to the Father of mercies for help 
and strength, Without this spirit of true 
prayer, how can we expect that the best 
life shall flow in our minds. 

In the vicinity of this great metropolis, 
I have been ready to long for a solitude, 
but let me remember the prayer of the 
blessed Eedeemer, "that His disciples 
in their day of probation might be kept 
from the evil." My nature needs the 
powerful and perpetual influence of re- 
deeming love to be preserved from evil. 
0 ! that patience may have its perfect 
work, and that nothing on my part 
may be lacking to prevent me from 
being favoured to know the leadings of 
Divine goodness, and as walking in the path 

o 2 



162 



A BROOK 



by Him appointed. I regret the want of 
more quiet and thankful subjection during 
the year that has almost past. Anxious 
thought concerning my own future allot- 
ment, has at times I fear prevailed, when I 
should rather have said in humility of heart 
— " Thine is the earth and the fulness 
thereof, do with me what Thy wisdom shall 
see best ; and permit me only to walk in 
the path Thou shalt be pleased to open." 

May I trust to that care which has ever 
hitherto befriended me, even in seasons of 
closest trial. Have I not been favoured 
with health — with truly kind friends — with 
willing coadjutors — yet I have not sought 
to be subdued to Thy will, and to dwell in 
that humility and love which the prevalence 
of Thy power in the mind must ever give. 
Pity and forgive, and let my Redeemer's 
power be known in the entire and full 
renovation of my whole nature, — that I may 
know from happy experience, what it is "to 



BY THE WAY. 



163 



dwell in Thy house, and to be still praising 
Thee," and may no influence of a mis- 
leading nature be suffered to prevail on my 
spirit to the injury of others, whom it is 
Thy will, we should rather strive to bring 
into more watchfulness and dedication to 
Thy heavenly will. Great will be our con- 
demnation, if after being favoured to know 
and feel that Thou art good, we fail in 
seeking to draw each other into the heart- 
felt acknowledgment of Thy divine power 
and presence. How great is the responsi- 
bility that rests on those whom Thou hast 
called to be as leaders of the people, and 
who are looked to for an example of what 
should be the Christian and the Christian's 
practice. 

How do we need to watch and pray, and 
to improve the opportunities for daily 
retirement before the Father of mercies. 
Suffer us not, 0 Thou most merciful, to 
become as the heath of the desert, insen° 



164 



A BROOK 



sible when good coineth, but let us be awake 
in heartfelt supplication toward Thee. 

What I feel that I need is, the precious 
supporting influences of heavenly love to 
guide me in my way — to teach me every 
day, to preserve through the Redeemer's 
power, that heavenward bent of mind in 
which the light in its clear and indubitable 
power may be known, and the spirit of a 
poor humbled dependent creature may be 
redeemed from itself, so as to become an in- 
strument in the ever blessed Saviour's hand 
for the instruction of His little ones, in the 
things that concern their everlasting peace. 
Let it be remembered, that true and living 
faith has the promise of the removal of 
mountains ; and let me remember the pre- 
cious truth contained in the language of 
the 90th Psalm, "Lord, Thou hast been 
our dwelling-place in all generations;" and 
also may I remember the application in the 
concluding verse of this psalm. 

I 



BY THE WAY. 



165 



What I need and long for, is a state in 
which prayer shall ascend from the altar of 
the heart without ceasing, and every care be 
committed to Him, whose it is to guide His 
dependent creatures at His pleasure, in a 
way that they know not, and in paths that 
they have not seen. Let me ever fear to 
give way to any imagination of my own, 
in looking forward to a future allotment. 

Monthly Meeting day, preparatory to 
the Spring Quarterly Meeting. This is 
always in its return, to me an interesting 
day, when I can unite with dear friends in 
entering into the state of things among us 
as a Society. This Meeting seems as the 
renewal of the year, and a time in which 
we are afresh called upon individually, as 
well as collectively, to search and try our 
hearts, and to consider our ways, whether 
they are such as will tend to peace, when 
the work of the present day shall be near 
ts close, and the things of time receding 



166 



A BROOK 



from our view. I feel much cause for 
thankfulness in the belief, that everlasting 
goodness is near to help, and the encou- 
raging language of; "Fear not — I am 
with thee," seems evidently and mercifully 
extended. 

May I be favoured watchfully to guard 
against any temptation to impatience or 
resentment, in some circumstances that 
may present a degree of trial in this respect, 
and may I ever feel disposed to grateful 
acknowledgment of the goodness of God, 
that shall absorb all considerations con- 
cerning myself, and give me to feel that 
what I have to do is to follow my Redeemer. 
Let me be very watchful, and earnestly dis- 
posed to supplicate for the single eye in 
every important conclusion ; and in all my 
doings, not to be biased by any single act, 
and especially not to any act of importance, 
by the consideration of what others would 
think or choose, further than as acting in 



BY THE WAY. 



167 



unity with those of sincere feeling and 
right judgment ; but seeking before, and 
above all, to know and to pursue that which 
the Lord my God requireth of me. 

I know that Thou canst do everything, 
and that no thought can be withholden 
from Thee. Teach me, 0 Thou most mer- 
ciful, quietly to pursue Thy Will, so far 
as I may be enabled to comprehend that 
will concerning me, and make me ever 
willing to bear the burden Thou shalt 
be pleased to appoint — " looking unto 
Jesus." 

The secret lesson for to-day seems to be, 
to guard against being ungrateful, more 
especially to the ever-bountiful Giver of 
every blessing. Let my spirit acknowledge 
His goodness in my secret retirement from 
day to day, and never neglect retiring for 
this sacred purpose, 



168 



A BROOK 



0 ! Thou ever-beneficent Father of the 
universe, look on Thine unworthy subject, 
who, in the feeling of much deficiency, 
almost fears to take up the name of Thy 
servant, and be pleased to make the path 
plain before her, that it may be fully seen 
what shall be done, and what left undone, 
and let nothing be withheld in which Thy 
cause and the honour of Thy name shall 
be concerned. Be pleased in infinite mercy 
to preserve me in watchfulness looking 
unto Thee. 

There are some seasons, in which we feel, 
either from fatigue, want of health, depres- 
sion of mind, or other causes, so little pre- 
pared for mental engagements, that we can 
hardly expect to enter upon important 
concerns to much purpose ; yet even then, 
after rest, a change may often take 
place, if strength be sought from the right 
source. The remembrance of how little 
we seem capable of at such times, should 



BY THE WAY. 



169 



stimulate us to make good use of the 
hours that are given, when a good share of 
health, quietness of mind, trust in Divine 
goodness, and freedom from excessive fa- 
tigue, seem to point to us, that it is a season 
for the steady prosecution of duty. 

Lying awake in the night through a 
storm of thunder and lightning, I remem- 
bered what was heard from a young person 
in the Kent , East Indiaman, when on fire, 
who on being told the vessel was likely 
soon to be blown up, kneeled down and 
said ; " Even so, come Lord Jesus." How 
desirable to be ever ready for His sum- 
mons, whenever or however it shall be 
given. How is such a state of pre- 
paration to be desired, more than all the 
treasures and enjoyments of this fading 
world. 

Had I to choose any one of the 
yarious denominations of Christians from 

p 



170 



A BROOK 



those at present in existence, I have 
no hesitation in saying, that of Friends 
is the best adapted to myself; but to 
say, that it would, in its present habits, 
be best for all people, is what I am 
not prepared to do. The question is, 
How shall we meet the state of things as it 
is ? Do not many Friends feel and acknow- 
ledge, that the people are more interested 
and attracted by a more tangible system of 
conducting Meetings for instruction than 
oars ? How, then, can we meet this state 
of things, and do our part for the general 
improvement of society, without violating 
truth in what we allow ; If my way 
may but be made plain in this concern, 
how much should I feel of thankfulness. 

Much good might result, if those who at 
seasons enter into the spirit of worship 
were to assemble in each others houses, 
and read, communicate, sing, wait in silence 
or pray together. Would it not be well, 



BY THE WAY. 



171 



if we had among ourselves some minor 
meetings as a preparation for the larger ? 
Would it not be more easy by this means 
to repress too forward appearances in the 
ministry, than when these appearances are 
so public as at present I I trust that ere 
long, we may have at least one assembly 
occasionally for mutual incitement to good, 
in which should be read extracts from re- 
ports of societies of Christian instruction, 
and from writings tending to religious 
improvement, leaving time also for silent 
and quiet feeling on what has been read, 
and for any remark in the freedom of Chris- 
tian love. We do at seasons need aid in 
the direction of the mind in devotional 
feelings. This should be sought from the 
source itself; and I do trust, there will ever 
be preserved devotional assemblies, in which 
there shall be no interference in the direc- 
tion of the mind, but that which is appre- 
hended to be of Divine guidance. Are we 
not authorised from the Scriptures of Truth, 



172 



A BROOK 



and from the example of our Lord, to read 
on some occasions the Scriptures in our 
assemblies I And might we not without 
professing a devotional act, have the 
Psalms, &c, read, whilst the congregation 
stand, and by some short introductory 
address, have their minds called to the 
remembrance that it is a duty, and our 
highest privilege to have the mind directed 
to the infinite and adorable object of 
worship. 

What we have to do individually, is to 
labour in sincerity of heart, in great or in 
little things, as each in its season may be 
appointed, seeking only to have the heart 
rightly engaged. It is in the aggregate of 
little things, that a great amount of good 
is seen, and in this beneficent arrangement 
our Heavenly Master is pleased to permit, 
that even the last and least of His flock 
may take a part, and not that the whole 
field of duty should be occupied by a few. 



BY THE WAY. 173 

I was much struck last evening with the 
thought, that although the distribution of 
small tracts by weekly loan, is even among 
the lowest order of society, an excellent 
means of inducing the mind to turn toward 
that which is good, and of bringing the 
general state of poor families into view, so 
as to lead them to other measures for their 
improvement ; yet that the advantages of 
this distribution, are not by any means 
confined to a low, or untaught condition of 
the people, but greatly applicable to one 
of considerable advancement. It will always 
be a likely instrument of good to lend well 
selected tracts in a kind and friendly man- 
ner, and particularly to children and young- 
people. The variety will please, and persons 
of judgment, discretion, and piety may use 
their leisure and retirement to excellent 
purpose, in making a judicious selection of 
instruction, to pour into the domestic circles 
of many little families for good. 

p 2 



174 



A BROOK 



" And iu that day shall be a root of J esse, 
which shall stand for an ensign to the people, 
to it shall the Gentiles seek, and His rest 
shall be glorious." These words are con- 
tained in a page of Holy Scripture, on 
which I have this morning opened, and 
how precious is the prospect of such a state 
as they represent. May all our desire be 
to lead those whose everlasting welfare we 
seek, to this sacred ensign of the people, 
and to His glorious rest— the rest in Him, 
and in His heavenly guidance ; and may 
we, as a Society, do our part, especially by 
the influence of Christian education, in lead- 
ing others to that rest which remaineth, 
even in this life, for the people of God. 
The attainment of the living principle, and 
the dwelling under its regulating, actuating, 
quickening influence is what we should 
desire. 

My mind has been drawn towards little 
children, in whom reason and reflection are 

I 



BY THE WAY. 



175 



just beginning to dawn, and I think we 
want some outward and attractive means 
of drawing their minds to devotional feeling, 
This even in regard to little children, should 
have the pious and good for its agents ; 
such as act from the purest and most 
disinterested motives : their efforts should 
commence as soon as the mind is capable 
of receiving Heavenly truth, and how very 
early lias the Infant School system proved 
that to be ; children, I think, should be 
assembled occasionally to seek the spirit of 
prayer, and to be instructed in such Chris- 
tian doctrines and precepts, as their opening 
minds are prepared to receive. 

My calling is for the present much 
with the poorest and youngest, and most 
untaught of the people, and it is right my 
mind should be brought into sympathy 
with their state. But where the life pre- 
vails^ it is known to be more than meat, 
and the body, the substance, more than 



176 



A BROOK 



the raiment with which it is clothed : still it 
has pleased Divine Wisdom to appoint the 
maintenance of life, and the shelter of the 
body by such outward and tangible means 
as are suited to our present state — and as 
in the natural, so also it may be permitted 
in the spiritual. 

" 0 that men would praise the Lord for 
His goodness, and for His wonderful works 
to the children of men." It is in the 
alienation from Him, in the want of sub- 
jection to His heavenly will, that the dis- 
order and misery of mankind consists, and 
whatever brings man nearer to a submis- 
sion to His divine government, leads to 
harmony — to order — and to happiness. 
Why then should we have any thought 
or care in comparison of the desire for 
entire redemption in Christ Jesus — -that 
redemption of the soul and of the heart, 
which will bring forth its influences in, 



I 



BY THE WAY. 



177 



and upon the whole body of thought, and 
converse, and conduct. 

May it be permitted me to pray, that if 
consistent with the Divine will, I may yet 
see Africa once more before the close of my 
pilgrimage. I know that the Most High 
can accomplish His own designs when and 
how He will, and that all our care should 
be to dwell in His will, and from day to 
to day, be desiring before and above all 
things to follow Him. 

May my heart be daily turned to the 
remembrance of redeeming goodness, and 
imbued with that feeling of love, which 
would desire that even the publicans and 
sinners should " behold the Lamb of God 
who taketh away the sins of the world,'' 
and come unto Him. May I dwell under 
the sense of His fear, and in that become 
more and more divested of the fear of man, 
or of any fear that would hinder me from 



178 



A BROOK 



growing in grace, and in the knowledge of 
God, and of Christ Jesus our Lord. 

t4 Ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by 
night, but the Lord shall go before you, and 
the God of Israel shall be your rere-ward." 
— Isaiah Hi. ]2. This language has been 
applied with a power to my mind that can- 
not be mistaken as to the source from 
whence it proceeds ; and I have believed 
that in the prospect towards Sierra Leone, 
and in the views of some home duties of 
deep importance, it is right I should keep 
in remembrance, that not by any power 
that I can command, will the designs that 
have been in a degree unfolded before 
me, be promoted, but only as Infinite Wis- 
dom shall guide, and open the way, whether 
in Africa or in England. 

How 7 much do I feel the need of a sup- 
plicating spirit more generally prevalent 
with me, both in and out of Meetings. The 



BY THE WAY. 



179 



sense that this has not been as it should 
have been, and of the consequent lack of 
spiritual communion, has often caused the 
evening of the Sabbath to be a time of 
depression. 0 ! when shall I feel the 
intercourse with the Father of light, from 
whom comes every good and perfect gift, to 
be so open and unobstructed as to give that 
perfect peace, which is the result of having 
the mind staid on Him, and to dwell in 
this peace from hour to hour, and to know 
its predominance in my lying down, and in 
my earliest and mid-day thoughts and 
avocations. I do not say that my mind is 
wholly a stranger to this precious privi- 
lege, but I oreatlv desire its more general 
dominion in me, and a greater fidelity to 
the unfold mo;s of that Light, which would 
in all circumstances rightly guide. 

All I have to desire is great watchfulness 
unto prayer, and great fidelity in waiting 
for, and in following the Divine guidance 



180 



A BROOK 



in all my ways. " In all thy ways acknow- 
ledge Him, and he shall direct thy steps," is 
a truth which my heart at this moment feels, 

We had so fine a sail for the first 
eighteen days on our way to Sierra Leone, 
that we could work and write as on shore. 
Afterwards high and fearful squalls came 
on, and were so awfully strong that the 
ship was nearly wrested from the helmsman, 
and the captain feared we should have been 
lost. Ah ! how little at that moment did 
all human things appear in comparison with 
the great work of preparation for appearing 
before a Judge of infinite purity, and ming- 
ling through redeeming mercy with the 
spirits of the just made perfect. It was a 
season I desire ever to remember with 
feelings of humiliation and thankfulness, 
and I fully believe that in this as in other 
seasons of dismay, the judgments of the 
Most High are like His mercies ; " True 
and righteous altogether.'* 

I 



BY THE WAY. 



181 



O Lord, Thou art great and good, 
and canst in thine own appointments, 
not only humble us unto the very dust, 
but cause us to rejoice in hope, because 
of Thine own designs of mercy. In this 
remembrance of Thee my heart shall re- 
joice. Thy Divine Providence is opening the 
way in various directions to much good 
among many people, and more and more 
shewing, that Thou hast it in view to teach 
and strengthen those who love Thee, and 
to help, and guide the weak. I will (Thy 
Divine help enabling) endeavour quietly to 
pursue the path of humble duty, and look 
to Thee for help and guidance from day to 
day. Give me, 0 Father, suffering, or 
consolation, as shall eventually be best ; 
permit that I may be taught Thy will, and 
to pursue it, whether to the praise or dis- 
praise of those around. Accept my thanks 
that Thou hast given me, in Thy beneficent 
kindness, enough of favour with endeared 
and justly honoured friends, to act with 

Q 



182 



A BROOK 



them in concerns of near interest in Thy 
cause. Enable me to overcome all in my 
own nature, that may yet remain opposed 
to that which is not pure and spiritual, 
and make me wholly fit to meet the final 
summons, from this state of trial and of 
pilgrimage, whenever that summons may 
be sent. 

Let me watchfully guard against any 
anxious care, but to know redemption in my 
own mind, and to feel my dependence 
on Heavenly help : may I solicit Divine 
guidance from day to day, and devote my 
heart and my all to the advancement of the 
Redeemer's cause. I feel sensibly that I 
have nothing to give that is not first 
received, and that it is indeed a favour 
calling for deep humiliation and thankful- 
ness, if I may be permitted to be in any 
degree an instrument in the Redeemer's 
hands. A preparation of heart for this is 
ever wanted, and well may we remember 



BY THE WAY, 



183 



the declaration of our Saviour, " There is 
none good but one, that is God." No source 
— no foundation of our own — debtors — 
debtors we are to redeeming mercy for all 
that we have and are. 

Again, I feel it is due from me to ' 4 trust 
in the Lord," being persuaded that none 
ever trusted in Him and were confounded 
— to adore Him in humble gratitude— to 
acknowledge daily His mercy, and to 
thank Him for preservation — every degree 
of grace bestowed calls for love to Him : 
May I seek to love Him more and more 
fervently — alw T ays day and night to confide 
in Him, believing; He will do all things 
well. Has He not been better than all my 
fears, and good to me beyond my hopes ? 
when the enemy has sought to sift me as 
wheat, has not the Redeemer's intercession 
prevailed, that my faith fail not ? 0 ! let 
me trust in Him evermore, not leaning to 
my own understanding. 



184 



A BROOK 



First Month 1st, 1829. Lord, Thou art 
good, and doest good How great, how 
long-suffering have been Thy mercies to 
Thine unworthy servant, in the year which 
has now passed ! How sweetly hast Thou 
suffered that year to close upon me, sinking 
to rest under a grateful and quiet sense 
of Thy love. The day again breaks, and 
again my heart acknowledges the sense of 
Thy goodness. Ah ! let the direction of 
my spirit from day to day be to Thee, and 
only to Thee. In all the duties and cares 
that may arise, be Thou my guide, my 
solace, and my all. Let me never seek or 
desire anything so much as to do Thy will, 
and abide in Thy love. 

Be pleased, 0 Lord, to strengthen us as 
a Society, with Thy life-giving presence. 
Direct and guide us that our eye may be 
singly turned to Thee. Enable us from 
day to day to draw near in true supplication 
of heart — unite us to one another in the 



BY THE WAY. 



185 



bonds of true Christian love— and teach us 
to unite with those who love Thee, of every 
name, and to seek, where Thou shalt permit, 
to bear up the standard of truth and righte- 
ousness in the sight of the people ; and 
grant that many may be, in Thine own 
time and way, through Thine own heavenly 
power converted to it. Keep us watchful — 
enable us to dwell under a sense of Thy 
life-giving presence and power, that we may 
grow in the root, and so bring forth fruit 
to Thy praise. Yet keep us from outward 
shew—teach us to remember our Saviour's 
injunction, not to present either our prayers 
or our alms before men, or even to fast 
to be seen of them — but rather to anoint 
and wash. — To pray to Thee in secret. 
Help us thus to commune with Thee, and 
permit us to abide, 0 ! most merciful 
Father, under the shadow of Thy wing, 
feeling that Thou art indeed Almighty. 

During the last nine years, seven of 

q2 



186 



A BROOK 



which, I have passed as a houseless pil- 
grim, all my wants have been supplied, and 
resources have been given me bv which I 
have been enabled freely, and without 
much limitation to pursue good objects — to 
correspond — buy and give tracts, thereby 
having the advantages of one of larger 
resources. Great has been the kindness of 
dear friends, and freely have they united 
with me in the pursuance of right designs. 

The words ; iC Good Thou art, and good 
Thou doest,"' came powerfully to my mind 
as I sat down, before leaving my room this 
morning, and feeling the sweetness of such 
remembrance, my mind was impressed 
renewedly with the belief, that it is good 
to have the memories of children furnished 
with the language of pure devotional feeling; 
and that it will be right for me to teach 
them to commit to memory, in hymns and 
prose, such expressions of a devotional 
nature as may be suited to their state, and 



BY THE WAY. 



187 



to recommend that they may not be used 
formally or insincerely. It may also be 
right for me in some circumstances, to 
sing with little children in simplicity of 
heart, the acknowledgments of praise and 
prayer. 

I believe it is likely to have a more im- 
pressive effect on the mind of a child, to be 
taught the devotional language ; u Thou 
art good," than the more distant acknow- 
ledgment, implying mere reflection. Still 
may we keep close to truth, acknow- 
ledging with # # * that as " silence 
or the attention of the mind, is the first 
lesson in military discipline," so it must be 
also in that which is spiritual. Let this 
silent attention be called for in the com- 
mencement of our Meetings for the dear 
children — but why should any prohibit 
singing in these meetings ? Have we not 
the highest authority, when the Redeemer 
and His disciples sung a hymn together, 



188 



A BROOK 



and is there not an exhortation to the 
right singing of " psalms and hymns, and 
spiritual songs, singing with grace and 
melody in the heart f 

May we, as a Society, be fully shaken from 
resting in the love of ease and present en- 
joyment, even of that which is apparently 
lawful and right, but which if it leads to a 
rest in anything short of uncreated good, 
will prove to be among the heavens and the 
earth that must be shaken, that that only 
which cannot be shaken may remain. 0 ! 
for more watchful retirement of mind — 
more direction of heart among us to the 
things that are eternal — more willingness 
to disregard the roughness or smoothness 
of the path, if only our Lord be followed, 
and His cause advanced in the earth. But 
there has been too much among us of rest- 
ing in the enjoyment of each other's society, 
and shrinking from what would be an inter- 
ruption to our ease, or impose arduous and 



BY THE WAY. 



189 



difficult duties. Not that any should go 
into difficult and laborious services without 
a sufficient object, or reject that true calm- 
ness of life, in which the mind and judgment 
maybe clear and active; yet let us remember, 
calmness does not imply lethargy, supine- 
ness, or a selfish love of ease. Our Lord's 
will, and devotion to that will should be our 
leading and consoling principle day by day. 
In many circumstances, our being equally 
ready to take up a difficult work, or one 
more agreeable to nature, may be the test 
required, of our real obedience to the cause 
of our Lord. 

What reason I have to be thankful for 
the love and unity of dear friends, and 
for the belief, that a way will be opened in 
time for all that my heart holds most dear — 
the Christian education of little children, and 
the advancement of the cause of Christian 
education in society at large ; in this con- 
cern I trust that disposition will be cherished 



190 



A BROOK 



which seeks to give glory to God in the 
highest, arid on earth peace, and good-will 
towards men. 

Through the great and preserving mercy 
of our Lord, I have now been permitted 
to meet again my endeared friend and 
brother in our Heavenly Redeemer, George 
Bennet, who has lately returned from a 
missionary tour round the world, and has 
seen during eight years^ travel, much of the 
work of redeeming power in the hearts and 
habits of the people in far distant nations. 
His own mind is imbued with feelings of 
devout acknowledgment for mercies received 
which are never to be forgotten, and for the 
precious influence of the Saviour's love, 
dwelling in, and rejoicing his heart. In the 
remembrance of our epistolary communica- 
tions, and whilst we conversed together, 
how greatly has my mind been confirmed 
in the feeling of what is yet due from 
me as an instrument mercifully called 



BY THE WAY. 



191 



by our great Redeemer to labour in His 
vineyard. 0 ! may He be pleased to give 
the heart for a faithful and diligent pur- 
suance of every appointed duty, leaving it 
to His divine appointment where the scene 
of labour shall be, and seeking neither rest 
nor home but in His will. 

I long to see the true missionary feeling 
both here and in Sierra Leone, — piety, — 
the grateful sense of Redeeming good- 
ness, — the sabbath of rest in the will of our 
Lord. 

Teach me to go in Thine own time to 
the work appointed me, and then, 0 my 
Redeemer ! be pleased in Thine abounding 
mercy to inspire this language in Thine 
unworthy subject; "Lord, now lettest Thou 
Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes 
have seen Thy salvation." May I be 
taught to keep in perpetual view my calling, 
and ever to feel and act as one appointed to 



192 



A BROOK 



missionary labour in the blessed Redeemer's 
cause. How great is Thy mercy, my God, 
in permitting this appointment, lead me 
and guide me to do Thy will faithfully from 
this day, and be pleased through Thy 
blessed Son, our heavenly Mediator and 
Intercessor to forgive all the past, and 
to draw me nearer to Thvself in Him. 
Again, let me acknowledge the claim to 
thankfulness for so great a divestment of 
worldly cares as I have been permitted to 
know, and for favour in the sight of my 
friends, so that many things have been 
made easy to me. But the living by faith 
has been needed; Divine providential 
mercy has been unremitting. May my 
dwelling be in Him who is the life ! 

Never may I forget the precious quiet of 
this day. Prepare me, 0 ! my Father to 
do Thy holy will. Give me faith to see 
what that is concerning my path, both in 
behalf of the lowest ranks of little children 



BY THE WAY. 



193 



here, and the poor Africans. Preserve me 
in the sweetness of love and peace with 
all. Let me be brought to seek Thy 
praise in all things, and to acknowledge 
Thee in all my ways. Bear up our friends, 
and let Thy life be raised into fuller domi- 
nion. 

What we want is the flame of heavenly 
refining love ; not a mere outward exemp- 
tion from reproach, — a mere passive blame- 
lessness that rests in the avoidance of evil, 
but is not zealous to do good, or to pro- 
mote that which is good. 

I believe if the mind be in right tune, 
there will be a pleasure in all engagements 
of duty, known only to those who are pre- 
pared by Divine love to be gratefully obe- 
dient and thankful, even when employed to 
physical exhaustion; provided any good may 
be hoped for from the instrumental labours 
in which the mind or the hands may have 

H 



194 



A BROOK 



to engage. But would not such a state of 
rejoicing require that there should be clear 
evidence of the present work being the 
right work, as well as a sense of the day's 
work in other respects, keeping pace with 
the day ? And must not, in many of us, 
a fear in this respect lessen the feeling of 
unreserved enjoyment I Our joy will also be 
checked by the sight of the many evils and 
sorrows there are in the world, and our 
inability to do what we wish, for the help of 
those who suffer. 

Experience more and more deeply con- 
vinces me, that true prayer can never be 
dependent on either position of body, or the 
utterance of language, but must be the 
pouring forth of the feeling of supplica- 
tion before the Most High, either vocally 
or mentally, and this feeling, must be 
inspired by that Heavenly Influence which 
can only be received from the everlast- 
ing source of goodness, u No man can 



BY THE WAY . 



195 



call Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Ghost," 
and it is through Him alone that we have 
access by one Spirit unto the Father. 0 ! 
that the dependence of mankind were more 
fully turned to this Divine Spirit, and that 
the rest in outward forms, whatever those 
forms may be, were more effectually broken 
up. It is not the sitting down in outward 
silence, — it is not the utterance of written 
language in forms of prayer, — nor yet the 
extempore effusion of words at stated 
seasons, that can bear the character of real 
supplication. It is the bowing down of the 
human will before the Most High — the 
yielding up of the mind to a sense of 
its dependence on Him for every good. 
Heavenly influence can alone induce the 
prayer and praise of true worship — where 
this influence is not yielded to, our sitting 
in silence is vain, — the utterance of written 
forms of supplication is vain, — and vain 
every pretension to worship, whatever may 
be vocally expressed. Still in religious 



196 



A BftOOK 



assemblies for the instruction of the young, 
much may be done to lead to devotional 
feeling ; and our merciful Father has ap- 
pointed, that we should be instrumental in 
helping one another. The sacred records of 
Divine Truth are the first general means for 
the attainment of this end : and for the 
reading of them in private, and the hear- 
ing of them in public, every facility should 
be given to every human being, as far as cir- 
cumstances will allow. It is however to be 
acknowledged that all parts of the Holy 
Scriptures are not alike adapted for public 
instruction and for this purpose a right 
selection should be made. 

How many dangers are to be guarded 
against in the militant state of the Church 
of Christ, and among these, I would 
mention a rest in certain stages of attain- 
ment, without seeking to grow in grace, 
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Sa- 
viour J esus Christ. This lack of spiritual 



BY THE WAY. 



197 



advancement impedes the circulation of 
heavenly life in the assemblies of those, 
who might even among the highly privi- 
leged in religious feeling, be ensamples to 
the flock. It is greatly to be feared, that 
some are too much resting in the dispo- 
sition, that they are not as other men are, 
extortioners, unjust, or doers of offensive 
things, while yet the mind not fully contrite 
before God, is not prepared for that recep- 
tion of heavenly good, which, through re- 
deeming mercy, is imparted to the humble 
penitent. 

There is on some occasions, an expression 
of pity, I cannot call it sympathy which 
appears to verge on the supercilious — in- 
stead of really entering into sympathy 
with the person addressed, it seems rather 
to say, " I look on thee at a distance, and 
am glad that I am not as thou art." I 
would not give way to hard judgment, yet I 
cannot but think there has been in some 

r 2 



198 



k BROOK 



minds, accustomed to prosperity, and to a 
kind of general good opinion from others, 
this kind of repelling, rather than a sympa- 
thizing feeling towards persons moving in a 
more untrodden path than themselves, and 
with whose proceedings, while they hesitate 
to unite, they do not openly disapprove. I 
should like to be enabled fully to analyze 
this feeling, and see from whence it springs, 
without violating that merciful precept of our 
Lord; " Judge not that ye be not judged." 

0, this great city ! how many are the 
dangers, lest the best life be crushed under 
its load of cares, like the good seed by 
the briars and thorns that sprung up and 
choked it, that it brought not forth the 
fruit demanded. 

Let Friends in London consider what is 
due at our hands in the diffusion of Chris- 
tian truth at home and abroad, — for surely, 
throughout the world, should include our 



BY THE WAY. 



199 



own country, as well as those more distant. 
Many sit in heathen darkness even here. 

Yesterday, was so sw T eet and quiet, that I 
w r as ready to sigh when it w r as nearly ended, 
and to long for the ensuing Sabbath. I see 
not in the New Testament any abrogation 
of the observance of one day in seven. The 
divestment of our wonted cares on that 
day, gives time for a comprehensive view 
of important subjects which is greatly to 
be valued. 

Peace is the great — the desired attain- 
ment — that peace which passeth the under- 
standing of the natural mind, and which 
can only be enjoyed, as we are the subjects 
of the Bedeemers influence. Where the 
heart is directed to this state, how very 
favourable to this object are our silent 
assemblies for Divine worship. Here indeed 
we may gather strength, and experience an 
advancement in truth and righteousness. 



200 



A BROOK 



It is very important, that amidst all the 
cares into which we rightly enter, on behalf 
of the uninstructed and the poor, that we 
should yet keep in view the importance of 
strengthening those who have known some- 
thing of the Redeemer's love, since they 
may be the instruments by which our 
Heavenly Father will promote His own 
cause on the earth. The relief of the 
minds of such from all that hinders the 
advancement of His work should be the 
subject of our daily solicitude and prayer. 

0 ! the many amongst us, as a Society, 
who are in need of the awakening sound of, 
" Come let us go up to the mount of the 
Lord, to the house of our God." How 
sweet is the hope that He may teach us of 
His ways, and so direct and guide us, that 
we may walk in His paths ; for out of Zion 
shall go forth the law, and the w r ord of the 
Lord from Jerusalem. Whatever advances 
may take place among us, and some have 



BY THE WAY. 



201 



been made, as to the instruction of the 
young, and the right adaptation of such 
outward means of help, as are consonant 
with sincerity and truth, there will yet, 
I trust, be a steady testimony maintained 
to the leading principles of our profes- 
sion, — that of silent worship — of simplicity 
of language and apparel — of requiring 
no oath and of renouncing all war and 
destruction of human life. To bring for- 
ward these may require time and pa- 
tience, but truth is great and will prevail. 
There is one of our testimonies which I 
trust will spread much more among all the 
nations of men, that of the spirit of the 
Eedeemer leading and guiding into all 
truth, converting the soul, and bringing it 
into obedience to Himself. 

May a daily watch be maintained in my 
own mind, that I may be taught to feel 
and know how very weighty is the respon- 



202 A. BROOK 

sibility that attaches to the Christian pro- 
fession I avow. 

How good is the Lord thus to renew the 
strength of the weakest. Yesterday, I was 
ready to sink into depression from a sense 
of inability ; thus sometimes we are made 
to feel what weakness is ours, in order to 
prepare us for looking to the only source of 
strength. 

The present distress is great, — some 
decidedly believe the principal cause to be 
the so general aim at gentility, and the 
desire in those who have power to raise 
themselves a little higher, and a little 
higher, until the poor are pushed down 
below their right place, and not paid the 
just wages of their labour. There is in 
this state of things a fettering influence 
from the lack of that demand, which, in a 
more prosperous and healthful state of 



I 



BY THE WAY. 



203 



society, the labouring class would create ; 
and all the pleaded luxury of the rich can- 
not make up the deficiency of just and 
regular consumption in the larger numbers. 
0 ! that an appeal on the general distress 
could be made to reach the understandings 
and hearts of people on true Christian prin- 
ciples. It is righteousness that exalteth a 
nation, and it is righteous conduct toward 
the more dependent classes that will tend 
to general prosperity, — not the accumula- 
tion of immense riches. There are limits 
placed in the order of Divine Providence 
to all the enjoyments that wealth can give. 

O ! that I may be strengthened cheer- 
fully to undertake whatever duty shall 
devolve upon me at this season of difficulty 
in the cause of the poor. May I feelingly 
remember how, by day and by night, the 
sound has been heard in my mind of, " who 
stoppeth his ear against the cry of the poor, 
shall cry himself and not be heard." " If 



204 



A BROOK 



thou draw not out thy soul to the hungry," 
&c. " If thou sayest behold I know it not, 
doth not He that pondereth the heart re- 
gard it?" Doth not He see thy indifference, 
— thy anxiety for the preservation of thine 
own ease, and thy disregard of thejust claims 
of the poor and needy ? It is said, there are 
causes of poverty for which the people have 
to blame themselves, — idleness, reckless- 
ness, drunkenness, &c, true it is indeed 
that these enemies of a man's own house- 
hold are his most powerful foes. Try then 
what can be done to convince those, who 
are thus going astray, through Divine help, 
of the error of their ways. Encourage the 
system of friendly visitation, with appro- 
priate books and tracts from house to house, 
— send them everywhere through your dis- 
trict, and let them be accompanied by the 
warm recommendation of Christian feeling. 

My mind is solemnly impressed with a 
feeling of the awful position in which we 



BY THE WAY . 



205 



stand, as professors of the religion of Jesus 
— pure and spiritual as it is, and call- 
ing for consistency in holiness of heart, 
and a life in which the spiritual nature has 
the evident and obvious ascendency over 
that which is natural. What watchfulness 
is called for, lest we suffer our feet to wander 
into some of the labyrinths, that lead away 
from the plain and direct path into which 
our Redeemer calls His sincere and devoted 
followers. This path is doubtless one in 
which the sacred flame of divine love is 
ever alive, and ascending to the glory of Him 
from whom it is derived. If this feeling 
exist, there will be a desire that all who live 
may be rightly cared for, and more than all, 
that the immortal spirits of the children of 
men, may be the subjects of the renewing 
influence of the Redeemer's power. It will 
induce solidity of character, and when 
imparted, we should not be diverted from 
its exercise by outward objects, not 

s 



206 



A BKOOK 



even by the attraction of near and dear 
friends. We should strive not to be drawn 
from the centre in which is our strength, and 
through which we receive from Heavenly 
goodness all our supplies. " Teach me Thy 
statutes," " Draw me and I will run after 
Thee." It is in this state of mind, shielded 
by living faith in the immediate presence 
and redemption of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
that strength is received to overcome all 
the fiery darts and the more insidiously 
poisoned arrows that may be cast out 
against us. " Love not the world, neither 
the things of the world, for if any man love 
the world the love of the Father is not in 
him." 0 ! that we who profess the name 
of Christian, were redeemed from the love 
and pursuit of the world. We often need 
reminding of these truths, " That no man 
can serve two masters,'' and that God 
requires our first affections. 

This is the day called Good Friday, and 



BY THE WAY. 



207 



although every day is in itself good, and 
the great and mysterious event on this day 
commemorated, should be with us in per- 
petual and grateful remembrance, still those 
who in sincerity of heart think it right to 
set apart a day, in which peculiarly to 
revive the remembrance, and thus regard 
the day as unto the Lord, will no doubt be 
accepted in their intentions ; whilst the 
folly and profane abuse which often accom- 
pany both feasts and fasts, might induce 
one to desire that the present observance 
of them should be superseded by a more 
general and earnest pursuit of the substance 
of true religion, which would make it easy 
to dispense with what in itself cannot be 
regarded more than a type or shadow. In 
looking toward that which is sincere and 
good in those who think the observance 
of these days incumbent on them, there 
is a feeling of sympathy and peace — a kind 
of relief from worldly care that is refresh- 
ing. Our own days of solemn assembly 



208 



A BROOK 



have also something of this feeling, yet 
combined mostly with the excitement of 
seeing clear friends whom we meet but 
occasionally. This excitement requires 
a guard, lest it take up the mind too 
much, and divert the feeling which 
should be drawn toward the contempla- 
tion of our own state — and of the world 
at large, as in the presence of the Most 
High. 

The sense of happiness, and even of 
mental strength, is accompanied, in my 
view, with a certain feeling of calmness — of 
quietness, — of divestment of anxious and 
perplexing cares, to which the habits and 
principles of our Society are, I think, 
peculiarly favourable. To attain to this 
state of quiet, and at the same time to 
pursue with steadiness and diligence objects 
of Christian and benevolent interest, in 
which much exertion is often needed, 
appears to me a desideratum in Chris- 



BY THE WAY 



209 



tian experience, and a state to be sought as 
implying, that " rest which reraaineth for 
the people of God," by those whose hope 
and trust is in Him — whose strength is 
received from Him— who feel that their 
Redeemer liveth — and that by Him they 
shall live also. 

It is true indeed, that to enter as Chris- 
tians ought, into the counteraction of vice, 
ignorance, and misery, much self-denying 
labour will be required, still if it be pursued 
under a sense of duty, there will be a sup- 
port under it. Yet even here, we must 
endeavour to avoid exacting from ourselves 
a_ degree of exertion beyond what the body 
and mind are capable of enduring, and 
which would tend to premature decay. It 
must be remembered, that even the tene- 
ment of clay which the immortal spirit 
inhabits, is to be cared for in justice, and is 
not to be neglected, yet even in the care of 

s 2 



210 



A BROOK 



the body we should be influenced by that 
which seeketh not its own. 

Yesterday I was in a house surrounded 
by beautiful gardens, but I think, including 
in the view only the owner's premises. My 
mind was greatly impressed with a sense of 
how little pleasure all this beauty in nature 
could afford to the mind, where the love of 
Christ did not enkindle the affections and 
extend them in desires to do good to others. 
How much more interesting would it be to 
live in the midst of spiritual fields, and be 
trying to do some good, than J ,o live here 
surrounded with every accommodation, and 
have no engagements of this kind. How 
thankful should we be for hearts and hands 
at liberty to serve in the lowest offices for 
the cause of religion and humanity. 

It is almost mysterious to me, to have 
my mind so much at rest as I have of late, 



• 



BY THE WAY. 



211 



without knowing whether Africa will be 
ray allotment in the ensuing autumn or 
not. The rest seems to be in resignation 
to what may be unfolded. I would pray 
for the continuance of this resignation, 
until my way is more evidently opened. 

Intaking long walks. I am often reminded, 
that the effects of the Sierra Leone fever 
still remain in the relaxation of my knees. 
Yesterday, I was reminded of a state 
of general weakness, many years ago, 
which placed me under the necessity of 
relinquishing much active exertion, and 
keeping more to retired occupations. Yet 
these were, perhaps, what then were more 
immediately required of me. May not the 
lack of greater ability for active engage- 
ments even in visiting the poor, be a kind 
provision to call my attention to pursuits 
in which the immortal nature is more imme- 
diately concerned, not, however, forgetting 
nor omitting necessarv duties in looking to 



212 



A BROOK 



physical wants, and doing the little part 
that I may, in helping others. The habi- 
tations of the poorer classes should not be 
wholly unfrequented by any Christian who 
has ability to visit them — and if we can visit 
others, we can visit them ; might not all 
Christians, if they took a part in the dis- 
tribution of tracts and children's books, 
greatly lighten each other's labours, and 
by Divine help be instrumental in effecting 
good, even without encroaching on time, 
which should be otherwise occupied ? 

I have read J. Hughes' pamphlet on the 
subject of prayer, in the committees of the 
Bible Society, and hoped for the realization 
of his views, both in seeing the acknow- 
ledgment of spiritual worship in others, as 
well as in our own Society, and in seeing also 
Christians of various names unite in one 
harmonious band for this solemn purpose. 
I have also read in the Religious Tract 
Society's Magazine, the account of a 



BY THE WAY. 



213 



monthly distribution of tracts to all fami- 
lies who will receive them. This is admi- 
rable — how could I desire to see this done 
for every family here, in some given dis- 
trict, rich and poor ! The giving would 
be much more simple and easy than 
lending, if funds can be found, and none 
would have to complain of dirty tracts. 
This, and some other home duties seem 
fully before me, particularly that on chil- 
dren's meetings, on the principle of various 
classes uniting : — but probably all must be 
left until the paramount duty of Africa is 
accomplished ; how sweet would be the 
thought of returning to these precious 
duties ! 

I would not seek my own will, but the 
will of my Father which is in heaven., 
My own natural will, would, I think, lead 
to reasoning, and concluding that it were 
best to remain here until some farther 
duties were accomplished, and then I might 



214 



A BROOK 



go, feeling it of still less moment, whether 
life were resigned in Africa or here — that, 
however, would be reasoning on a wrong 
foundation. Our Father needs us not. 
His own designs can be accomplished in 
His own way, and any individual agent 
He may be pleased to employ, may soon 
be removed, yet He can raise up another. 
Our business is to seek to move and act in 
His will. 

Never will my heart relinquish the sacred 
truth we hold, that the way of salvation is 
open to all, and that none need perish ; 
still the heart in which the love of the 
Redeemer dwells, does not feel at rest with- 
out seeking to extend light and knowledge ; 
and to call on others in various ways to 
come, and taste, and see, that the Lord is 
good, and that blessed are they whose trust 
is in Him. 

In our Meeting this day, and on First 



BY THE WAY. 



215 



day evening, we were favoured to feel a 
deep silence, which is truly a high privi- 
lege. O ! how gratefully ought we to prize 
the opportunity of thus assembling, and 
thus entering into a silence, that may be 
felt — a silence in which the presence of the 
Most High is known, and in which His 
truth rises into dominion. On looking 
back to the years in which this privilege 
has been known, although I have much 
unwatchfulness to acknowledge, I do feel 
cause of thankfulness that light has so far 
prevailed, as it has done in these assem- 
blies. I long for the extension of this pri- 
vilege of silent worship to every class who 
acknowledge Christ as their spiritual leader 
— and who seek the life — the power of reli- 
gion rather than professions and forms. 
There is a movement, and there will be 
yet a greater movement toward the ac- 
knowledgment of this spirituality of wor- 
ship. Surely, it is the highest privilege to 
those who have been favoured to know the 



216 



A. BROOK 



voice of their Shepherd, to wait in deep 
silence — to learn of Him. 

I wish that publications containing exam- 
ples of piety were spread among all classes 
of society. The rich, and the middle classes, 
need" them as much as the poor. All 
are immortal, and all are poor if they 
have not the food that nourishes the soul, 
— all are unhappy if communion with 
the source of life and love be not open. 
0, that Friends may deepen in spiritual 
feeling, and not rest in mere negative 
divestment of some errors under which 
others suffer. What we need is, the hum- 
bling quickening power of life in our Meet- 
ings, and on our spirits when out of Meet- 
ings. This is what would lead to a precious 
and gathering influence in the circles in 
which we move, whether they be rich orpoor. 

I wish for myself, and my friends, to 
consider, what is the right direction for 



BY THE WAY. 



217 



me. I know the winds and the waves are 
fearful, and the climate fearful, but it is 
far more fearful, not to obey the voice of 
the Lord, when that voice is clearly made 
known. I have believed, that it would be 
right to pursue the work of translation in 
whatever way it could best be done. Should 
the direction be evidently first toward the 
coast, He who knoweth all things, sees 
that if I can trust my heart, I would not 
shrink from proceeding alone in the ensuing 
autumn. I have no right to choose the 
path of least outward danger as such ; but 
ought rather to wait on the Lord that He 
may enlighten and strengthen my heart. 

May I in mercy be permitted to see my 
right path, and to follow the leadings of 
heavenly love, whatever they may be. 
Teach me, O, thou parent of all the fami- 
lies of men — teach me to dwell deep under 
Thy fear, and so to rest under the shadow 
i of Thy wing, as to feel Thy loving kind- 



218 



A BROOK 



ness, and know indubitably, if it please 
Thee, the path in which Thou wouldest 
have me to go. 

The season has of late been uncommonly 
wet and cloudy ; but of how little moment 
do seasons, or any outward things appear, 
in comparison of that which concerns our 
present peace with God, and our everlasting 
well-being. May a deepening sense of the 
Divine power be with those who are called 
by the Christian name, and who have tasted 
that the Lord is gracious. 

A person professing to have done much 
in the cause of Christian instruction in 
London, and whose appearance is far from 
interesting me in his favour, has called to- 
day, and reminds me, by his conversation, 
that there is, among other dangers to which 
poor human nature is liable, the danger of 
thinking, that to instruct others is every- 
thing, or at least our chief work, when we 



BY THE WAY. 



219 



ought to feel that to have our own hearts 
and ways such as shall be acceptable to 
God, is the first work, and the great pre- 
paration for being His instruments of good. 
For this we are debtors to redeeming grace, 
which alone can renew us in righteousness, 
and true holiness, and give us the feeling of 
being dependent on Him for all that is good. 
Genuine humility too, will then dwell in the 
heart, and shine through the conduct and 
conversation. 

It was a great mercy that our ship was 
kept so steady on the tempestuous night of 
the 6th, amidst such high winds, I may 
thankfully acknowledge, that never in a 
time of danger have I felt more sensibly 
an anchorage in Divine goodness, or more 
reliance on the infinite love and power of 
our Heavenly Father. I feel how greatly 
such a resource of hope and trust is needed, 
and desire to seek for help from day to day, 
that what shall yet be before me, may be 



220 



A BROOK 



met with resignation to His will. Even 
the stormy sound and appearance of the sea. 
on the first night of high wind, brought 
feelings of awfulness in the remembrance 
of Almighty power, which I desire never 
to forget. The remembrance of that power, 
which is able to bear down whatever is 
before it, and through such agency as shall 
seem good, whether it be by winds or waves, 
or other destructive elements, " Who would 
not fear Thee, 0 Lord of Hosts ! for to 
Thee doth it pertain to fulfil all thine own 
infinite and wise designs, whether in the 
way of judgment or of mercy." 

(In a letter to a relative, she writes :) 
Be not afraid for us, we are still favoured 
with preservation, though detained; and 
since I wrote last, we have had higher winds 
than we had before experienced. I feel 
indeed cause for thankfulness, even for the 
dangers we have suffered ; these have been 
instrumental in the hands of infinite good- 



BY THE WAY. 



221 



ness, and have led me into a nearer percep- 
tion of His beneficent care, who comprehends 
in His view even the minutest points of 
creation, and who still extends the consol- 
ing hope of " fear not." Although consti- 
tutionally much alive to a sense of danger, 
and naturally anxious that all should be done 
that can be done to guard against it, yet 
I may thankfully acknowledge that I have 
been favoured to enjoy much consolation ; 
and often feel during the windy nights, a 
sense of repose and rest in the care of Divine 
Providence, much more desirable and joy- 
ful than the rest of sleep, — I have not 
wished for sleep. But I reflect that in the 
days of apparent security, my mind has 
never been sufficiently grateful for the care 
and goodness of God — never have I been 
enough sensible of perpetual dependence on 
Him, both for guidance and protection. 
0 ! that in added days, this humbling, 
yet consoling sense of dependence, in the 
All-powerful God, may ever more be the 
clothing of my spirit. t 2 



222 



A BROOK 



I have been much struck with a remark 
by one of the Grecian legislators, to this 
effect : " He gave them not the very best- 
form of government that could be given, 
but the best they were capable of receiving,'''' 
and so it must be with respect to religious 
institutions for the Africans, or others in 
the initiary stages of instruction. The 
people require to be met with institutions in 
which they can participate, and their friends 
and teachers should be willing to adapt 
means of instruction to their state ; yet 
even then retaining the strongest regard to 
sincerity and truth, and not leading people 
into professions beyond their real experience. 

Suffer me to acknowledge a grateful sense 
of Thy mercy and goodness, 0 my God ! 
Thou hast brought thy poor, unworthy ser- 
vant thus far on her way, and now givest a 
sweet and peaceful hope of arriving, not 
many days hence, at the desired haven. 
Thou hast sustained a feeble mind through 
many dangers, and in the midst of very 



BY THE WAY. 



223 



awful seasons hast been pleased to give 
lessons of deep instruction, which I would 
humbly pray may never be forgotten. 
Thou hast taught me that in all things I 
ought to desire Thy heavenly guidance, and 
never take a step of importance, and espe- 
cially one in which the promotion of good 
in the earth is concerned, without an 
earnest desire after Thy guidance, and a 
clear apprehension that the way is directed 
by Thee. Thou hast taught me to feel that 
I have never been sufficiently sensible, how 
much gratitude and love I owe to Thee, 
for the blessings of daily preservation, and 
the unnumbered and innumerable benefits 
Thou hast graciously conferred. Thou hast 
also taught me how much I need more 
of spiritual feeling — the savour of life that 
I may through thine own power be made 
an instrument of good to others. I trust I 
have been led to desire, that even if nature 
should be, as it were, crucified in yielding to 
Thy requirings, nothing may be withheld, 



224 



A BEOOK 



which Thou shalt be pleased to call for at my 
hands, in the station to which I apprehend 
Thy Providence is leading me. 

I like simplicity in the habit of living, 
and I think if it had been more generally 
maintained, there would not have been such 
unhealthy and pernicious extremes of riches 
and poverty, as have been witnessed in the 
different countries called civilized. When 
some seek to be great and self-indulgent, 
they think they cannot afford a right re- 
muneration for the labours of the poor, and 
thus keep them very low and depressed. I 
know indeed there is a liability in the poor 
as well as in the rich, to waste and extra- 
vagance, but where there is little to possess, 
recklessness is perhaps a more natural con- 
sequence than in some other states ; at all 
events, nothing will excuse a disregard 
to the comforts of those who toil for their 
sustenance at laborious occupations. Labo- 
rious occupations, some may reply, are those 



BY THE WAY. 



225 



in which the mind is employed, and the 
frame thus sooner exhausted, and so it may 
be, where that labour of mind is in the ex- 
treme ; but there are also extremes of 
bodily labour, with very insufficient recom- 
pense, and this should not be. It is in- 
jurious to the individual, often exposing him 
to severe temptations, to crime ; and in- 
ducing, in other instances, too long applica- 
tion to work, and by precluding so many 
individuals from a just and reasonable 
expenditure, fetters the state of trade in 
society at large. Education — Christian 
instruction — the constant interchange of 
Christian kindness, and good example, are 
indeed necessary to a healthful state of 
society, as well as a just and righteous 
dealing with those who labour for their 
bread. 

I have just read with much satisfaction 
the memento for the day, in the selection 
called, Daily Bread, the purport is the 



226 



A BROOK 



estimate of offences by the character of the 
offended ; and hence the great depth of tur- 
pitude in sinning against God. O ! for 
more constant watchfulness against every 
inward and outward evil, accompanied by 
the everlasting remembrance of " Thou, 
God, seest me." 

I have just met with some sentences 
written at sea, and desiring to retain the 
sense of what then was deeply felt, I will 
write them in this part of my J ournal. 

It is the Spirit alone that quickeneth. 
The command is, " Quench not the Spirit," 
cherish the dawnings for good. 

Lean to the weakest in Christian conde- 
scension. May I be made more spiritually 
minded — may the savour of life be with 
me in all my ways — may I be wholly a 
pilgrim, not commending myself to any, 
but as in the sight of God be ever gratefully 



BY THE WAY. 



227 



sensible of perpetual dependence. Surely, 
the state of a little child should be ours in 
the presence of the Infinite. 

It is life only that can lead to life, and 
no forms are availing without it. Seek the 
life in all things, and cherish it by all 
authorized means. 

Let temperance in all things be the order 
of the day — its opposite leads to mental 
bondage and overbearing oppression. 

We ought to seek the controlling power 
of Christ over all that is within us, and go 
to Him for strength, and this we shall do 
if we desire to be wholly His. 

It is the spirit of piety, reverence, and 
love, that constitute the very birth and 
life of Christianity, and not mere theoretic 
notions, even when self applied. What we 
need is the silent, all-controlling influence 
of the Redeemer's power. 



228 



A BROOK 



Let us take heed that we be not lulled 
to sleep with the idea that w r e can do nothing 
for religious instruction, until physical and 
intellectual privileges are first enjoyed and 
improved. There is a spark of heavenly 
light in all, though it is often greatly 
dimmed and obscured by surrounding ob- 
structions. 

The habits of a Missionary ought to be 
so simple as not to call for much, and yet 
his wants in all respects ought to be so 
supplied as to preserve him from penury; 
indeed, he should have to impart both for 
the claims of hospitality, and for the neces- 
sities of the poor. 

May the communion of the heart be kept 
more fully open to Him, who has by his 
servants, invited all who lack w r isdom to ask 
it, for God giveth liberally and upbraideth 
not. May the true missionary spirit be 
spread in our dear native land, and its 



BY THE WAY 



229 



bowels of compassion be moved towards 
many at home, as well as to those in distant 
countries. Far be it from me to narrow 
the stream that would flow abroad, or to 
desire either for myself or others, a greater 
exemption from this labour, even for the 
last and lowest of the people, than is ac- 
cording to the Divine Will. My wish is, 

o *.' 7 

that the benighted and suffering people in 
our own country may partake also of mis- 
sionary care. May schools be more gene- 
rally formed, and colonies of industry ; also 
may there be visits for the purpose of 
Christian instruction, and in fine, may all 
be ready, in every way where right openings 
are seen, to help and serve one another in 
the Redeemer's cause, and from love to 
himself. I cannot well leave off, without 
acknowledging that, amid some bereave- 
ments and trials, there has been afforded 
me, whilst in Sierra Leone, through un- 
merited goodness, such an evidence of 
Divine mercy and protection, that many 

u 



230 



A BROOK 



of the hours I have spent in this habita- 
tion, may justly be numbered among the 
happiest of my life. 0 ! that from day 
to day grace may earnestly be sought, 
perpetually to renew the soul in Christ 
J esus. 

My heart's desire is to dwell daily under 
the sense of that Peace of God which 
passeth the natural understanding." that 
which is our consolation and our spiritual 
strength. I desire also to cultivate under 
this feeling a friendly disposition to my 
young domestic teachers and family, and 
to all with whom I am connected, and to 
be ever taught to watch and to pray. 

My mind is under concern from the fear 
that some, resting too much in the obser- 
vance of regular seasons for family and 
public worship, do not guard the heart with 
all diligence, but suffer tempers to be in- 
dulged that tend to wound and disturb, and 



BY THE WAY, 



231 



weaken that which is good. The memento 
seems to be, " keep thy heart with all 
diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.'" 
It is in our lives that we shew most fully 
whose we are, and whom we obey. 

How desirable it is to take a right 
course between the utter avoidance of all 
assembling for the purposes of religious 
instruction and worship, and the error of 
going lightly to and from such assemblies 
and resting in them as in duties done. 
We should look on them as guides andhelps 
to Christian duty in all places, and in all 
circumstances, aids for the reception of that 
sacred influence in which alone true wor- 
ship can be performed, and in which it is 
felt that the all-controlling power of the 
Redeemer influences our hearts regulates our 
dispositions, and governs us in all our ways. 

In looking back to some past enjoyments 
with dear friends in England, I feel that 



232 



A BROOK 



tliey have indeed passed away for ever, and 
can be known no more — 110 more known 
under the same circumstances, and I feel 
willing that it should be so, hoping that 
they will give place to feelings still higher, 
if some of us be permitted to meet again. 
0 ! may it be so, when the final separation 
from all below shall draw very near. May 
the hope of that which is higher and 
brighter, then animate and cause entire 
resignation. And to prepare for this, may 
heavenly love, through Redeeming mercy, 
rest on my spirit, and refine by its own 
pure influence, all that is within me, thus 
preparing for every duty of the present 
day, and teaching to go through even the 
roughest places steadily, as best becomes 
the Christian character, with the eternal 
inheritance in view ; and in this feeling, 
calling by example upon others to come, 
taste and see, that the Lord is good ; and 
blessed both here and hereafter are they 
who trust in Him. If instead of this, 



BY THE WAY. 



233 



the uninstructed, who know not our Lord 
and Saviour, see those who profess His 
name, easily moved to anger, to impatience, 
to restlessness, and off their heavenly guard, 
what ideas can they form of the efficacy of 
that religious principle of which they hear, 
but which they see so very imperfectly 
exemplified in its professed followers? 

The language of our Eedeemer to His 
disciples was, " Peace I leave with you, 
my peace I give unto you," and when in 
whatever trial or provocation we sutler our- 
selves to be deprived of this peace, by 
giving way to feelings inconsistent with it, 
we not only act against our own best wel- 
fare, but deprive ourselves in the same 
degree, of that mental ascendency over those 
who do wrong, in which alone the best and 
most efficient government must ever exist. 

Last night in a dream I had the choice 
of a burying-place given me, and preferred 

u 2 



234 



A BROOK 



Bunhill Fields, where I have often stood to 
see the last consignment of that which is 
mortal to its parent earth, and sometimes 
felt sweetly sensible, that in the emancipa- 
tion of the spirit from all that is human, 
there is indeed the song of victory for the 
redeemed through Him who hath loved 
them, and given Himself for them. 0 ! 
may our beloved friends in London, re- 
minded as they so often are of the transient 
nature of all earth-cares and enjoyments, 
be as strangers and pilgrims on the earth ; 
and in life and conversation stand as way- 
marks in the sight of the people; but, alas! 
how many are there just resting in outward 
order, and in a birth- right among religious 
professors j with little of the life of religion 
dwelling in them, or evinced by a course of 
conduct that would mark the self-denying 
and devoted Christian. Whilst there are 
others sweetly declaring in the emphatic 
language of Christian conduct, and the evi- 
dence of Christian dispositions, a more 



BY THE WAY. 



235 



devoted and devotional spirit, than they 
would venture in any other way to avow. 

That " peace of God which passeth all 
understanding," and which must be experi- 
enced to prepare us for heaven, requires 
that we should dwell in peace with all 
around us, and if it be possible with all 
mankind, " Peace on earth and good- will 
to man," was the angelic annunciation of 
the Messiah's advent on earth, and surely 
every disciple and follower, who desires to 
draw others to Him, should live in this 
spirit of peace and good- will, and not in 
any hard or unfriendly feeling, even to- 
wards those who do wrong; but seek in 
the spirit of love and forgiveness, to lead 
them, if possible, to a better mind, praying 
for Heavenly help, that he may in all things 
give honour and praise to his Father which 
is in heaven. 

I was glad to find, when reading this 



236 



A BROOK 



morning, in Bishop Hall's Select Devotional 
Work, this acknowledgment, that " Our 
silence may be more devout than our 
noise, 0 also in May's Address on Prayer, 
something to this purpose, that prayer may 
be offered from the heart with or without 
vocal language. It is true, the high and 
sacred state of feeling which must constitute 
silent worship, is much more difficult of 
attainment, and more inconsonant with the 
habit of mind, generally careless, than the 
habitual expressions of our own unworthi- 
ness and dependence in the vocal language 
of prayer. Yet it is to be feared, that many 
rest in this avowal and acknowledgment, 
and neither pant for victory over the sin that 
so easily besets them, nor seek in faith that 
worship of the heart, which would bow 
the w T hole mind and will before God, and 
lead to that hungering and thirsting after 
righteousness, which our Redeemer promises 
shall be seen and regarded by Him who has 
power to fill the desires which he has given. 



BY THE WAY. 



237 



Thine altar build and God adore, has 
often been before my mind as a memento, 
that in all circumstances, the acknowledg- 
ment of God should be our first and leading 
care. Can we expect that things will go 
on well with us, and about us, if we suffer 
other cares to supersede the claim to this 
leading principle and feeling, " Acknow- 
ledge God in all thy ways," and let the 
claims which He holds on thy heart and 
mind, be felt before and above all others, 
controlling and directing thy mind and 
actions through every minor duty of life. 
The specious plea that all forms without life 
are valueless, even that of silent retirement, 
either alone or in Meetings, should not 
induce any neglect of right seasons for wait- 
ing at the throne of Heavenly mercy for 
frequent renewals of strength. 

If my bodily weakness still increases, 
may I be favoured to be preserved in quiet 
and in patience. The disciples were sent 



238 



A BROOK 



out two and two. and although. I do not 
repent staving here alone. I would not 
recommend others to do so, unless from a 
very clear sense of duty in one individual, 
who does not meet with others to join in 
the same work, on the same station. 

Let me before the bright and peaceful 
sun of this day has shed its departing 
beams, acknowledge Thy mercy and good- 
ness, 0 my God, Who hast abundantly 
shed Thy favours and blessings on Thine 
unworthy servant — hast given me peace of 
mind — love to Thee, and to Thine ever- 
blessed cause of truth and righteousness — 
and favoured me with peace towards all 
around. How shall I shew that Thy 
favours and mercies are indeed felt and 
remembered. Thou knowest my heart — 
but Thou also knowest how frail I am — 
and that without Thy continued upholding, 
that heart would betray instability ; and be 
one day awake to Thy love, and another 



BY THE WAY. 



239 



absorbed in minor cares ; hard and insensible 
to Thy surrounding mercies, and ready to 
be irritated by every little untoward event 
or disappointment from those around me. 
Make me humble, patient and watchful. O 
teach me to serve this people among whom 
I dwell, and help me in that to which Thou 
shalt be pleased to guide my steps. 

How often has our beneficent Heavenly 
Father shewn me, that His goodness was 
beyond all my hopes ; — and how unworthy 
were all my fears. And so I am led to 
believe, will it be eventually with those 
who are favoured to maintain the Christian 
warfare to the end. The unseen state to 
which death introduces them, will display 
more fully than they are capable of receiving 
whilst here, the glories of that Redeemer, 
whom, not having seen they love, and 
in whom, though now they see Him not, 
yet believing, they do still rejoice amidst 
many trials. 



240 



A BROOK 



How sweet is the feeling of peace and 
good will, and how kindly has our Heavenly 
Father ordered, that in all which he has 
appointed for us, our happiness consists. — 
" Hateful and hating one another" is the 
state farthest from Him, and farthest from 
happiness, whilst every approach to the pure 
love of G-od and man, brings its propor- 
tionate degree of enjoyment 

A missionary station wherein much power 
is given has its great dangers— and the 
memento of, " Keep thy heart," should be 
every day before the missionary labourer. 

One of the most prominent ideas in my 
mind to-day, is the wish to see people 
divide themselves, for mutual help, into 
little companies. This morning I read in 
my family, the account given by Moses of 
divisions into fifties and tens, &c, and the 
settling smaller matters among each other 
— and carrying the larger only to their 



BY THE WAY. 



governors. Was it from this example 
that the Institutions of Alfred were taken, 
or might it only be from correspondent 
feeling ? There is, however, a seed of much 
good in the principle of small associations 
for friendly oversight and mutual help. 

My mind has been much struck with 
the Church Missionary Register, for Third 
Month, 1831, of the first Chinese convert, 
Leangafa ; 44 one in whom appeared so 
distinctly the image of the Saviour." Also 
with the command of our Eedeemer, as 
cited by H. T. in the Trial of Chris- 
tianity. " Love your enemies — bless them 
that curse you — do good to them that hate 
you, and pray for them that despitefully 
use you and persecute you." How opposed 
is this doctrine to the feelings of human 
nature, which would justify its resentments 
by the plea of having much to bear that is 
wrong and unreasonable. Could anything 
be more wrong or unreasonable than enmity, 

x 



242 



A BUOOK 



cursing, hatred, despiteful usage, and perse- 
cution ? and yet on the high ground of true 
Christian feeling, all these are sometimes 
to be met with. 

If it could be said of all who teach Chris- 
tianity, and especially if it could be said of 
all who come out in a missionary character, 
that they are persons in whom has appeared 
distinctly the image of the Saviour — there 
would be true and effectual preaching, by 
example, and by the evidence of the savour 
of life in their spirits, whatever their daily 
duties should be. Yet in order to attain 
this, there should be in the missionary 
occupation a state preserved favourable to 
that true calmness of life, in which the 
better life can freely prevail and grow. I 
cannot forget the impression made on my 
mind years ago, on this sweetly interesting 
subject, on viewing the fine wide scene on 
the western side of my native town — the 
beauty and quietude of which seemed to me 



BY THE WAY. 



243 



to favour that state in which the better life 
prevails. Also the affecting description 
given by J. Woolman, of a state, wherein, 
in the endeavour after the accommodations 
of this world's wealth, the true calmness of 
life had been changed into hurry. 

The language of the Psalmist presents to 
my mind; "but Thou Lord art good, and 
ready to forgive" — and shall not we who 
have so much to be forgiven, seek to follow 
even at an awful distance, this way of the 
Lord. He who is perfect in purity, and 
cannot look on iniquity with allowance, has 
yet provided means for the salvation and 
restoration of the very vilest, and wills that 
all should be saved and come to the know- 
ledge of the truth. Let this memento be 
ever before our minds ; " Thou Lord art 
good and ready to forgive" — Thou art the 
great example of willingness to forgive, and 
let Thy creatures remember, that Thou 
hast made this the law which shall condemn 



244 



A BROOK 



them, if in this, they do not seek sincerely 
to follow Thee. 

I will thank Thee, 0 my Father, for thy 
unmerited goodness, in visiting the mind of 
Thy unworthy servant with a sense of 
peace and love that consoles, although some 
outward circumstances in my family ap- 
pear very little to promise days of peace 
or rest ; yet unpromising as things may 
appear, with regard to some of them, I 
must yet hope; remembering that one mem- 
ber of this household, who had perhaps been 
a greater cause of disturbance than all, is 
now an agent, through Divine goodness, in 
contributing to my greatest comfort. 

I believe that in the most healthful state 
of the mind, there will be a disposition to 
attend to little things in their season, to 
matters of business and minor duties, as 
well as to be conscientious, and not to neglect 
the most important, or to suffer a worldly 

i 



BY THE WAY 



245 



spirit to lead to less attention than is 
due to them, involving as they do so 
much greater responsibility. 

My mind is much turned to the subject 
of cherishing by every right means, the 
disposition to devotional feeling, and I do 
apprehend, that some, in looking only at the 
fear of uttering expressions unfelt, have not 
on the other hand been sufficiently aware 
of the danger of supineness and total want 
of feeling. Should we not, if sincere, always 
be prepared to utter some expressions of 
devotion ? Supplication for what we need is 
very different from professions of experience 
to which we have not attained. The latter 
are doubtless abominations in the sight of 
God, when offered as a substitute for obe- 
dience and devotedness of heart and life. 

This has been a Sabbath of peace, of 
which I feel utterly unworthy — but our 

x 2 



246 



A BROOK 



Lord is indeed merciful and good. 0, that 
fidelity and love might be the hourly and 
daily return. I feel that self-will in my 
own mind, and self-choosing, must be made 
subject to a higher influence, and desire 
that it may be so, for in this only can I 
enjoy peace. Our Redeemer must rule 
over all — must break down as well as build 
up, and it is only in entire subjection to 
Him that we can be free indeed. 

I would much guard any young persons 
brought up in a Mission School, and with 
probably some view of being engaged in 
missionary labours, from looking forward 
to a life divested of outward labour, and 
despising secular occupations as if below 
them. That feeling has, I fear, been like 
a canker worm in the minds of many, and 
especially such as have lived for years in 
a preparatory seminary, employed almost 
exclusively in learning, and with little or 
no secular labour. Mistaken notions as to 



BY THE WAY. 



247 



the claims of Christianity on the heart 
and life, and spiritual pride have got the 
ascendency, and the contracting influence of 
the latter, on the feelings, thoughts, words, 
and actions have become sorrowfully appa- 
rent. The teaching of others has been held 
out as the one business of a Christian's life, 
too much losing sight of the perpetual obli- 
gation of a Christian, to dwell continually 
under the influence of the Redeemer's power 
and Spirit, and to have the whole mind, 
and life, and conduct, imbued with His 
all-subduing and all-controlling power. Se- 
cular occupations are in their turn, I 
have no doubt, salutary, and it would be 
better for the mental health of the studious, 
if they had some intermixture of outward 
employment. How many females are there 
now growing up in the middle and higher 
ranks of society, languid and diseased from 
mere want of exercise, not being engaged in 
some kind of useful labour. What melan- 



248 



A BROOK 



choly examples have I recently seen, of 
young men brought up without business or 
any serious occupation, shewing forth the 
pernicious fruits of pride, with fulness of 
bread, and abundance of idleness. 

With regard to Foreign Missions, I 
believe it would be better for the cause of 
Christianity, if none were appointed as 
preachers only, without having some secular 
occupation, as school teachers, translators, 
or other engagements. It is not difficult 
to conceive how possible it is for the mis- 
sionary work to be a kind of resting-place, 
for persons who prefer study occasionally, 
and leisure occasionally, to any settled or 
laborious means of obtaining a living, and 
who may seek this office, as many have 
sought the priest's office in England, not 
from the professed requiring of the Holy 
Spirit, but for outward bread. It may be 
said, are not the dangers and difficulties of 



BY THE WAY. 



249 



a missionary life too many and too well 
known to allow of such a choice from such 
motives ? But no — there is temptation to 
the youthful mind, and a great proportion 
of Missionaries commence their engagements 
when quite young. To such minds, there 
is often something very inviting in the idea 
of crossing seas, travelling to a great 
distance, seeing new countries and new 
people, and being at the same time treated 
by friends, under whose care they are pre- 
paring for the engagement, with a tender- 
ness and sympathy, to which the nature of 
their prospects must unavoidably lead. It 
is true indeed there are often great sacrifices 
of domestic feeling to be encountered in 
parting from family and friends ; yet when 
the missionary is fixed in his station as a 
clergyman, and has much leisure which he 
can employ as he chooses, he may in the 
degree of indulgence which his circum- 
stances will often permit, and in the higher 
manner of supporting himself than his 



250 



A BROOK 



earlier days afforded, allow an enemy un- 
awares to steal in upon liira, and instead of 
pouring out his soul for the surrounding 
transgressors, just get into the self-com- 
placent state of the Pharisee, " I thank 
Thee that I am not as other men,*" not 
even as these heathens and idolators, and 
thus indulge feelings of pride concerning 
himself, too much verging on contempt 
towards those from whom, in his outward 
situation, he is so far exalted and removed. 
Secular labour, or even that connected 
with teaching schools, has a tendency, by 
keeping people reminded of their own obli- 
gations, and of works they must fulfil, to 
keep the mind in an attentive and subju- 
gated state, whilst the farther a person is 
removed from the necessity for business, 
except that of giving instruction occa- 
sional^, which is not to be considered as 
business, the more liable, I apprehend, 
he must be to the attack of the enemy, in- 
citing to pride — the bane of all real vital 



BY THE WAY. 



251 



religion. And thus, though aware of 
dangers on the other hand, of religious men 
being hurt by being too much employed in 
worldly business, I do yet decidedly believe 
it would be better for Christianity at large, 
were all religious teachers, as the lowly 
agents of the Christian Instruction Society 
— as many worthy Christians in the Wes- 
leyan Society — and the ministers among 
the Society of Friends ; to give their reli- 
gious instruction in public as well as in 
private, " without money and without 
price," thus saying in effect, "we seek, 
not yours, but you." 

Lately I have suffered much from weak- 
ness, &c. To-day, I have been able again 
to pay a little attention to the children, but 
am much spent with a little effort, and 
feel great exhaustion. I desire from this 
suspension from work to feel more than 
ever how needful it is in all our projects 
and purposes to remember that, it is 



252 



A BROOK 



is " if the Lord will, we shall live and do 
this or that." 

O, my God, be pleased in Thine infinite 
mercy so to sanctify to me every dispensa- 
tion of Thy Providence, that all may con- 
tribute by Thine own power to introduce 
to a greater meetness for the society of 
purified spirits in the regions of everlasting 
light and life. 

It is, I believe, in consonance with the 
order of Divine goodness, that sincere 
Christians should, in conducting their do- 
mestic concerns, or other affairs of business 
— in the pursuance of benevolent engage- 
ments — in the enjoyments of social inter- 
course, and in all the concerns of life, as 
well as in their secret retirements, and 
devotional assemblies, partake of a feeling 
of divestment of anxiety — a sense of repose 
and rest, under the sheltering care and 
guidance of our Infinite Eedeemer whose 



BY THE WAY. 



influence is felt as perpetually present. 0 
were we more awake to a sense of this hea- 
venly experience — this dwelling as in the 
house of the Lord — what accessories of 
strength might be gained, even for the difficult 
and arduous duties of life. It is true, indeed, 
that we ought to beware of placing our- 
selves in stations of difficulty, to which the 
ordering of Divine Providence has not in- 
troduced us — -and to seek in all our move- 
ments, especially in the most important, to 
be guided by His counsel, and to pray that 
we may be led to honour Him whose dis- 
ciples we profess to be, by an upright and 
self-denying conduct in all our ways — so 
self-denying as ever to desire His will 
rather than our own. 

I remember to have heard an expression 
apparently a quotation, to this purpose : — 
" Too happy to be sportive, he is serene" and 
it is that habit of mind I long both to enjoy 
and to see prevalent among other profess- 



254 



A BROOK 



irig Christians of whatever name. My own 
nature is anxious, and in my present and 
late position, there appears to be, to the 
natural view many calls for anxiety, but 
still unless the kind of rest, to which I have 
alluded be the predominant feeling, our 
caring will not be availing to its object : — 
" Thy kingdom come, Tliy will be done," 
this should be the heart's prayer from hour 
to hour, and accompanied with the grateful 
remembrance of Him of whom it is truly 
said — " He is our peace." 

In retracing my own deficiencies in 
that which is good, I feel sensibly that I 
can have no hope before the Most High, 
but the hope of acceptance as a sinner, 
whose redemption and reconciliation is 
wrought out by the atonement of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, the refuge and rest 
of a perishing world. 0, that the re- 
membrance of this may keep me humble 
in all circumstances, and that Divine grace 



BY THE WAY. 



255 



may so soften and subdue my mind, as to 
lead me to treat those who do wrong in 
the spirit of Christian gentleness, — with the 
disposition that strives to restore and to 
save, rather than to reproach and con- 
demn — seeking to convince those who do 
wrong, and not merely to direct them to 
avoid such and such things, without see- 
ing why they are so directed. This course, 
I know, calls for much patience, and often 
for that unconquerable forbearance, which, 
to some minds, having a keen sense of right 
and wrong, is very difficult to attain ; such 
a forbearance indeed can only be gained 
by the influence of Christian principle, 
and by that feeling which acknowledges 
having had much forgiven, and sees the 
necessity of being willing to forgive, we 
must keep in mind that we are to lead 
the minds of others, and direct their 
habits, to the best of our power, not by 
any means sparing ourselves from the 
difficult task of combating their errors and 



256 



A BROOK 



wrong tempers, lest we allow them to in- 
crease and grow unheeded. 

There is much in England to do, which 
must be done. Some better arrangements 
are needed for diminishing the temptation 
to crime, by putting the poorest in the 
way of being benefited by instruction and 
industry. From my own experience in 
Africa, I am satisfied that the want of 
sufficient nutriment, as well as too much 
labour, are both unfavourable to the mind, 
and the disposition to peace and love with 
those around us, and I am in consequence 
prepared to sympathize with the poor, and 
long to help them. The principle of exten- 
sive combination for good, is what I think 
under Divine Providence will effect this, 
where faithful labourers can be found to 
do the work of collecting and conveying 
funds. Colonies at home are what I am 
longing to see, and what I long to unite 
in, should life be spared to return home. 



BY THE WAY 



257 



Human nature is weak enough at best, 
therefore we ought surely to do what we 
can as professing Christians, to diminish 
those outward stumbling-blocks that cause 
many to fall. 

I can hardly look to a home in this 
world, except one that may be easily left, 
nor to engagements, except such as can 
be easily transferred. My time in any 
way can be but short, and so much have I 
felt it in my path to be here, as a stranger 
and pilgrim, that a mere dwelling in tents 
suits me far better than anything that 
looks like taking up a rest. 

0, my God, hast Thou not by the sacred 
influences of Thine own power, breathed 
into the souls of many from season to 
season, the desire to see the people taught 
the sacred truths of the everlasting gospel 
in all the languages of men, and wilt Thou 
not in the ordering of Thine own all-wise 

y 2 



852 



A BROOK 



Providence, lead to its accomplishment by 
whatever means shall seem good in Thy 
sight I 

Vouchsafe, 0 Lord, to keep us this day 
without sin, is a prayer which my heart 
would plead as more to be desired than all 
earthly good. I am here in a state of 
great danger, and shall, if preserved by 
Infinite goodness, be taught by His Spirit 
to know more fully my own weakness — be 
more prepared than I have ever yet been 
to sympathize with the poor, and with 
those who, under weakness of body and of 
mind, are pressed down by many cares, 
and their strength spent in a succession 
of laborious occupations. 

To be fully awake in promoting the im- 
provement of those around us ; and at the 
same time not overcome in our spirits and 
temper, even when we see real evil where 
we had desired to see only good, is a state 



BY THE WAY. 



259 



of feeling that may be attained by the pre- 
dominance of Redeeming power in the 
mind ; yet watchfulness on every hand will 
be needed. Watchfulness, lest through 
fear of loss to ourselves in temper and feel- 
ing, we pass by the wrong things in those 
about us that want attention, and which 
we are bound in duty to teach them, if 
possible, to overcome. Watchfulness, on 
the other hand, lest in our anxiety for 
others to fulfil the part we have a right 
to require from them, we become impa- 
tient, unforgiving, intemperate in our re- 
proofs, and go so far out of the spirit of 
Christian meekness, as to forget the apos- 
tolic injunction : — " Let not sin have domi- 
nion over you." Watchfulness, lest we 
suffer the evil we see in others, so far to 
have dominion over us, as to excite unwar- 
rantable feelings in our minds, and cause 
us, instead of uniting with the apostle in 
the words, " follow us as ye see we follow 
Christ," to give away our strength by 



260 



A BROOK 



harsh and hasty expressions of temper, 
and thus lower our best feelings, and be- 
come not only less capable of advancing in 
the heavenly life ourselves, but less capable 
of being instruments of good to others. 

Solicitude to be kept this day without 
sin, does, I think predominate at present 
above every other feeling, and the desire 
prevails not for my own sake only, but for 
those by whom I am surrounded — not a 
few of whom may possibly become teachers 
of others. All this causes an earnest feel- 
ing of my immediate wants, and my need 
for continual attention to the presence of 
the Most High. For we ought surely to 
act before Him with greater care and more 
guardedly than if even the highest and 
wisest and best, of human beings were our 
witness. 

I think we may do much toward pre- 
venting excess of anxiety, by devoting cer- 



BY THE WAY. 



261 



tain times for attending to the different 
branches of our cares, and not allowing the 
mind continually to dwell under the whole 
weight of everything; as though every 
part of duty could be attended to and dis- 
charged at the same moment. Certainly 
the planning for the future is one part of 
our duty, and it would be want of foresight 
to neglect it, yet all should be conducted 
under a feeling of divestment from anxious 
care and " in the peace of God which passeth 
all understanding." 

What are heats and colds, and sickly 
and healthy seasons to be considered in 
comparison of peace with Him who is our 
Hope — our Refuge — and our All in AIL 

W e want instructors among the people, 
such as will not think the whole of their 
business is to tell others that they do 
wrong; but show them by example and 
precept, what it is to do right in all the 



262 



A BROOK 



engagements and relations of life. And 
one of the first lessons that young people 
thus designed for usefulness should learn, 
must be, not to despise any useful employ- 
ment, and never to regard with contempt 
any human being. 

I took up my pen just to write a thought 
about children's meetings, which I have not 
yet expressed. It is, that I do not by any 
means desire to see children, when arrived 
at an age in which they can quietly and 
seriously attend with their parents, with- 
drawn from the Meetings, which their 
parents attend. They may not indeed 
understand much of what they hear, but 
there is in a Meeting of that kind, often I 
believe even in the minds of children, a 
general feeling of acknowledgment of God, 
that is, sweetly, though silently beneficial. 
And it is enough if the great truths of 
religion are sometimes expressed in a way 
adapted to the capacities of children. They 



BY THE WAY. 



263 



may listen at other times, to higher language 
and glean a little, and feel their infant state 
in not understanding more, Let not chil- 
dren, nor even older persons, imagine that 
their minds are capable of receiving and 
knowing the sacred concerns of Eternity 
completely, in the present state. We 
ought never to forget, that we J' know but 
in part," and be humble in the remembrance 
that it is so. 

It has sometimes been consistent with 
the orderings of Infinite Wisdom and Love, 
that a season of physical weakness and 
depression of health, has yet been one in 
which unfoldings of future good, both to 
ourselves and to others have been made 
consolingly manifest. It was so in my first 
leadings towards the formation of a society 
for improving the state of the poor in my 
native town, also in the first views of form- 
ing elementary translations in new or un- 
written languages. 0! that the prospect 



264 



A BROOK BY THE WAY. 



which has been more fully opened to my 
mind, in the early part of this morning, 
when indisposition rendered it prudent to 
remain some time without entering on my 
wonted cares, may eventually be seen to 
confirm this experience of mercy, reigning 
even in days of outward depression ! 

God is our Father and all we are 
brethren, and more especially near is the 
tie in every land with those, who are one in 
Christ Jesus. It is the redeeming power 
of our Lord on the heart, ^Yhich consti- 
tutes the spiritual strength and happiness 
of man. From this fountain of our blessed 
Saviour's love, we must draw that love 
which will lead to kindly feelings— to unity 
and to peace. 



APPENDIX. 



THE COVENANT HYMN. 

Referred, to in the early part of the Journal. 

God of my life, to Thee 

My cheerful voice I raise ; 
Thy goodness bade me be, 

And still prolongs my days : 
I see my natal hour return, 
And bless the day that I was born ! 

A clod of living earth, 

I glorify Thy name ; 
From whom alone my birth, 

And all my blessings came ! 
Creating and preserving grace, 
Let all that is within me praise ! 

Long as I live beneath, 

To Thee, 0 let me live ! 
To Thee my every breath 

In thanks and praises give ! 
Whate'er I have, whate'er I am, 
Shall magnify my Maker's name ! 

z 



266 



APPENDIX. 



My soul and all its powers, 
Thine, wholly Thine shall be ! 

All, all my happy hours 
I consecrate to Thee ! 

Me to Thine image now restore, 

And I shall praise Thee evermore ! 

I wait Thy will to do, 
As angels do in heaven ! 

In Christ a creature new, 
Most graciously forgiven ; 

I wait Thy perfect will to prove, 

All sanctified by spotless love. 

Then when the work is done, 
The work of faith with power, 

Receive Thy favoured son 
In death's triumphant hour ! 

Like Moses, to Thyself convey, 

And bear my raptured soul away ! 



Extracts from correspondence, &c. 

18th September, 1797. — Bear with me while 
I entreat that you will not shrink from suf- 
fering, if you see such to be the will of God 
concerning you. Be actuated by the charity 
which beareth ail things — be willing to be 



APPENDIX. 



267 



"reviled — despised and rejected of men." Let 
your name be cast out as evil, only take care 
that it be undeservedly. While you look to 
God, men have but little power over you ; 
they may indeed in some degree wound your 
peace, but you will not suffer loss in the con- 
flict, if the fault be not your own. You have 
real enjoyment while in Christ Jesus, and 
doing the will of God ; but whenever you 
deviate in any degree from His will, however 
specious appearances may be, — however grati- 
fying to nature — it must eventually be pro- 
ductive of evil to yourself, as well as to others. 
The Lord will support you under the burdens 
He Himself lays upon you. You have nothing 
to fear but sin, then determine by the grace 
of God to stand unmoved in the fire. Your 
Saviour will be with you, yea, rather let the 
flame consume you than that you should do 
anything to grieve the Spirit of God. 

Your sincere friend, 

Hannah Spurr.* 

Octoberlst, 1797. — It is impossible to describe 
the joy I feel in seeking the salvation of my 
fellow-creatures. I have a lively hope that 
God will grant His protecting cloud, that we 

* Afterwards Hannah Kilham. 



263 



APPENDIX. 



may adore and love Him for ever. My soul 
does enter within the vail, and seeks her food 
from God. 0. that I may be fed more abun- 
dantly, and rejoice continually in His salvation. 
After preaching I returned home weary and 
faint. One of my brothers came from Epworth, 
and informed me that my aged father is well, 
he has known the grace of God more than 
fifty years. 

Tour affectionate friend, 

A. KlLHAM.* 

October 2nd, 1797. — How must I overcome 
indolence ! I have had quite a contest with 
myself the few last days on account of it. 
Idleness is a sin which of all others I most 
dread — I might say which I most despise. A 
voluntary feebleness of mind, and contract edness 
of soul arise from the constant gratification of 
one's will. If the soul has no other spring of 
action than that which self-will gives, it will 
often be slothful as well as obstinate. For my 
own part. I find if I be not in the habit of 
giving myself up in some way or other for the 
olorv of God. and the good of mv neighbours, 
my mind becomes selfish ; effeminate and un- 

* Alexander Kilhani, afterwards the husband of 
Hannah Spurr. 



APPENDIX. 



269 



happy. " The flesh warreth against the Spirit, 
and the Spirit against the flesh • and these are 
contrary the one to the other." I would that 
the Spirit were always conqueror, and it is my 
own fault when it is not. 

H. S. 

October 3rd, 1797. — It appears to me that 
idleness is one of the greatest evils in the 
world — it might justly be entitled " Legion." 
Scarcely a crime of importance but has its 
origin here, I will name some of the principal 
causes of it. Injudicious education — indul- 
gence of parents — the propensities of our own 
heart — self-indulgence — dejection of mind, — 
no settled occupation. Now in order to lessen 
the influence of this evil, a change in the heart 
should be wrought by the Holy Spirit, which 
will lead us to redeem time, and will stimulate 
us to reflection, exertion, by a humbling recol- 
lection of our former waste of it. We should 
strive to feel the import of the text; "Be 
diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving 
the Lord," and should constantly reflect on the 
greatness of the work we have to accomplish, 
and the shortness of our stay in this wilderness. 
We should form a plan for religious exercises 

z 2 



270 



APPENDIX. 



and temporal [engagements, and endeavour to 
live up to it as near as possible. We should 
avoid all needless indulgence, and should never 
allow depression of spirits, or light affliction to 
hinder our labours : remembering we can never 
do too much in promoting the glory of God, and 
the salvation of our fellow-creatures. 

A. K. 

November ith, 1797. — I seem to need the 
voice that would be constantly crying to me ; 
" Arise and shake thyself from the dust," I 
was thinking this afternoon, that if I had not 
an active life, I should not have a happy one. 
The Lord orders all things in wisdom. From 
a grateful heart I can at this moment say, 
"The Lord does all things well." 

H. S. 

November lith, 1797. — At chapel to-day, 
E. C. spoke in a very forcible manner, on our 
Lord's being " a man of sorrows, and acquainted 
with grief." My heart was much affected with 
the remembrance of the tenderness of feeling 
which Jesus shewed when expiring on the cross, 
towards her who, after the flesh, was His mother. 
He knew the sorrows which pierced her heart, 
and while finishing the great work in which the 



APPENDIX. 



271 



dearest interests of mankind were all concerned, 
He was not dead in His feelings towards her, but 
commended her to the care of His most faith- 
ful friend. I cannot but lament that mankind 
are not more faithful to the grace of God. 
Why was it that His disciples forsook Him 
after He had spent His time and His strength 
for their good 1 We know not that we should 
have done otherwise. 0 ! that this view of the 
treachery of the human heart may humble 
my soul. That I may fear always, lest I also 
be overcome. I can recollect many seasons, 
when I was almost ready, like the first disciples 
to forsake my Lord ; and if I feel this proneness 
to start aside in this bright gospel day, what 
should I have done in an hour of darkness, 
discouragement and gloom like theirs ? The 
Lord has been unspeakably good to me, or I 
should have fallen a thousand times, — a thou- 
sand and a thousand times, He has delivered 
me. His light has shone on my heart, and on 
my path. We will praise Him, my dear friend, 
— we will love and adore Him for ever. He is 
unbounded in His mercy to us. The springs 
of gratitude rise in my soul, surely they will 
rise to all eternity. 0 ! that we may never 
forget that we are both the purchase of a 



272 



APPENDIX. 



Redeemers blood, and whatever cause we find 
to love each other, may our love abound the 
more toward Him by whose grace we are what 
we are. 

H. S. 

November ISth, 1797. — I have great cause 
to complain of myself this week. An unaccount- 
able deadness has often overspread my mind, 
particularly when I would have engaged in 
secret worship. I need not say it is unaccount- 
able, when I remember how seldom it is that I 
earnestly contend for the faith, and how often 
I give way to the weakness and indolence of 
my own mind. How frequently I permit un- 
toward nature to prevail, and sink me for a 
while into melancholy ; instead of suffering 
spiritual life to spring up and spread peace all 
around. I am quite conscious from my own 
experience at different times, of the truth of 
our Saviour's words. " The kingdom of heaven 
is within you.'' I know it is not outward 
things which form this kingdom, nor can out- 
ward things destroy it, if the heart be right 
with God. May the grace of our Heavenly 
Father assist me, that the time past may suffice. 
You say you rejoice that my mind leads 



APPENDIX. 



273 



me to desire an active life, because the pro- 
vidence of God is leading me into a scene where 
I may have plenty of exercise in the vineyard of 
the Lord. I do my dear friend desire an 
active life, but when I mentioned it to you. I 
was considering it only as a negative good, a 
preservative from melancholy and vain reason- 
ing. You give me a more animating — a far 
more desirable idea of it, when you say, " Labour 
is delightful when the heart is truly engaged," 
itc. I need not repeat your own words, but 
you say, "your heart burns for more unction, 
that all your works may be begun, con- 
tinued and ended in God. 5 ' May this desire 
of your heart be granted. It is this unction — 
this life and power from God, which can only 
bear you up above the fear of man, and the 
fear of evil. 

I suffer as well as rejoice with you. Your 
friends are fearful, and your opponents mighty, 
but the Lord is with you, and I trust His 
mercy will never forsake. I believe He will be 
with you always, even to the end. When it oc- 
curred to your mind, " what doest thou here 
Elijah r s I hope you did not forget Elijah's 
upright, yet dejected mind, had given him too 
dark a view of the state of the Church. We may 



274 



APPENDIX. 



sometimes in particular cases, conceive things to 
be worse than they really are. There is I trust a 
scattered seed all over the face of the earth, who 
are accepted of God in Christ Jesus, and the hour 
will come, in which the Lord will collect them 
together, and they shall feel they are one fold, 
under one Shepherd. How mournful it is 
that any should act as though they considered 
church-fellowship a more powerful bond of 
union than the Spirit of Christ. I fear there 
are persons in the world who would almost 
think it a sin to dispute the experience of any 
in their own church, who yet find it difficult to 
believe that any person can be alive to God. who 
does not worship with them. Is not this making 
too much account of outward church-fellow- 
ship, and too little of the scriptural union of 
the whole body of Christ ! 

H. S. 

November 19th } 1797. — My mind has been 
exercised by the unaccountable conduct of my 
opposers, and from a deep conviction of their 
acting out of character. I was grieved to 
think that men professing godliness should 
have so little grace, and that they should seek 
to injure me, when I was seeking to do them 



APPENDIX. 



275 



all the good in my power. But the Lord has 
convinced me., that in suffering from this quarter, 
I endured what He himself endured, and He 
assured me that if I suffered, I should also reign 
with Him. I am now willing by His grace to 
bear with reproach from any quarter, so that 
His glory may be advanced on the earth. In- 
deed I expect to have my name cast out as 
evil. I look for crosses daily, and seek a prepa- 
ration of mind to bear them to His glory. By 
this means, hard things become easy, rough ways 
are smooth, crooked things are straightened, 
and my soul both sees and feels the salvation of 
God. The more I am resigned to the will of 
God, the more comfortable I feel in all the con- 
flicts which Infinite Wisdom appoints. Indeed 
I frequently find that my soul rather wishes for, 
than attempts to shun the cross, because while 
we suffer for following Christ fully, the Spirit 
of glory and of God rests upon us. 

I think you condemn yourself on some 
points too much, you will never be delivered 
from evil reasoning, unless you venture con- 
stantly by faith on the Son of God. Remem- 
ber Peter walked on the waves as on a pave- 
ment, while his eye was kept on the Lord 
J esus ; but when he looked down he saw the 



276 



APPENDIX. 



waves and began to sink. Let us live by 
faith, and not by our feelings. The weather, 
exercises from various quarters, &c., may alter 
our feelings, but God is unchangeable. We 
often have too gloomy thoughts of Him, we 
view Him as looking upon us with a great 
deal of harshness, and inflexible justice, when 
we ought to remember, that mercy is His 
darling attribute, and that as a kind father 
pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them 
that fear Him. Let us view Him as our 
reconciled covenant God, and cast all our care 
upon Him. 

A. K. 

November 23rd. — As you observe, the views 
which God gives us of Himself in the Holy 
Scriptures, are calculated to fill our hearts with 
admiration and love. My soul has always the 
most exalted, yet most encouraging views of 
God when I behold His glory in the face of 
Jesus. In looking to Jesus, we cease to have 
gloomy thoughts of God. We remember, that 
in Him, God is our reconciled Father, full of 
compassion and love towards us. This view is 
the most assimilating and strengthening, as well 
as comforting to our minds. I can never so well 



APPENDIX. 277 

obey the Lord (whether in pleasing or painful 
circumstances,) as when I feel that He loves 
me. There is no other way of obtaining this 
feeling, except by looking to Him who has given 
Himself to restore us to God. 

Last night I went with a heavy heart to the 
class, but how great was the mercy of God to 
me ! my bonds were broken before we had 
been five minutes together, and while we were 
singing the hymn : — 

" Jesus my truth, my way 

My heart melted into tenderness and love — 
such gratitude sprung up in my soul toward 
God, that I felt power to give up my cause 
into His hands, darkness fled away, and the 
day-spring from on High visited me. If mercy 
and goodness can affect my heart, I shall be 
the Lord's for ever. I was thinking this 
morning, that we who have trusted so freely the 
love of God in Christ Jesus, have most abun- 
dant cause of thankfulness. And should we 
be surrounded by outward trials and inward 
temptations, have we not help more than suf- 
ficient in Christ Jesus to conquer all ? 0, that 
I may never sink again, but rather take courage 
and fight against my foes. 

H. S. 

2 A 



278 



APPENDIX. 



November 25th. — I have been thinking on the 
simplicity of faith. It appears to consist in a 
full persuasion, that God is our reconciled 
Father, and in casting our souls with all their 
wants into His hands. He is represented in 
all the endearing characters that language can 
invent to excite our dependence upon Hiin. 
He upbraids us for not asking what we need, or 
for not asking it with suitable confidence. He 
complains of our unbelief and hardness of 
heart. He desires that we petition for all we 
want, and assures us, that all shall be sup- 
plied out of His infinite fulness. He com- 
plains of our bejng straitened in ourselves. He 
declares that if we only believe, our peace shall 
be as a river, and our righteousness as the 
waves of the sea. He informs us, that many 
mighty things cannot be accomplished, because 
of our unbelief. He seems anxious to expel 
from our nature, the proneness we feel to dis- 
credit His word ; and when we seem averse to 
give way, He weeps over us. Unbelief is the 
evil from which arises lukewarmness ; if we 
nourish it, we are fostering in our breasts the 
vilest enemy of our Heavenly Father, and 
feeding the principle from whence arises pride, 
self-will, covet ousness, <kc. We may attempt to 



APPENDIX. 



279 



avoid a number of things that appear wrong, 
but unless we are earnest in seeking to lay the 
axe to the root of the evil tree, all our lopping 
off branches will be of little avail. Y\ nen we 
are happy in God. we believe and wonder at 
our former unbelief ; but when sensible com- 
fort is withdrawn, do we not indulge in unbe- 
lief and hardness of heart, and thus prove that 
we are placing sensible comfort in the place of 
Jesus ? TVe build upon the best gift of heaven, 
instead of building upon their Giver, Xeed we 
to inquire why we have so little of sensible 
comfort, and why our minds are so frequently 
uneasy for want of Divine manifestations ? 
I apprehend, that reason is at hand — God 
cannot give an abundant and constant en- 
joyment, because unbelief remains in our 
hearts, and so perverts them to the basest 
purposes. Were we to live by faith alone, and 
venture on Christ in all the emergencies of 
life with equal confidence, our consolations 
would abound through hope, by the power of 
the Holy Spirit. 0. that we could ever remem- 
ber, that we have to do with an unchangeable 
God! A dull day, in disposition, strong tempta- 
tions, (ice., may occasion an alteration in our 
animal spirits, and in our feelings, but do they 



280 



APPENDIX. 



alter the nature and attributes of the Deity ? 
Because we vary, must He vary also ? Is it 
not our duty to exercise the same confidence 
in God, however we may change ? If our eye 
be single, and our hearts fully fixed to follow 
the Lord, w T e shall rely every moment with a 
child-like confidence. While we are not weaned 
from unbelief, we are frequently suffered to 
drag on heavily. The subject of Faith is inex- 
haustible. I am ashamed and grieved at the 
dishonour I have brought upon God, by unbe- 
lief. 

I feel such a sweetness and satisfaction, in 
taking God at his word, that my soul rejoices 
in his faithfulness, and exults in His truth. I 
would fain hope, that my future days will be 
spent in living by the faith of the Son of God, 
who hath loved me, and given Himself for me. 
I am altogether sure, that this faith will lead 
to that holiness and righteousness before men, 
which the Scriptures require. As far as I 
am enabled, I will endeavour to preach down 
unbelief, and exalt faith in the Lord Jesus — it 
is so glorious to God — so advantageous to our- 
selves — so ornamental to our profession, and 
so much for the benefit of mankind. I hope 
that faith in our hearts will gain strength by 



APPENDIX. 



our various exercises, and come forth like gold 
seven times purified. 

Though it is past midnight, and the weather 
exceedingly stormy, my fire low, my poor totter- 
ing body oppressed with cold, travelling, and 
other exercises, and I have three times to preach 
on this dawning day, as well as -to travel on foot 
several miles, yet I would gladly write all night 
upon this delightful subject, if my endeared 
Hannah could be delivered from this enemy. 
0, that Israel's God, by some dream or vision, 
whilst thou art locked in sleep, would expel 
this principle from thy heart, never to return. 

A. K. 

January 2nd, 1798. — After sleeping four 
hours, I arose at five, and prepared for travel- 
ling to this place (Barnsby.) The spirit of 
fervent agonizing prayer rested upon me. I 
found desires to begin a new life with the new 
year, and pleaded much with God to pass by 
whatever He had seen amiss in my former life. 
My cry ascended to God on your behalf. May 
the Lord hear and bless. All the way my 
spirit kept ascending to God; and I found 
the fatigues of the past Sabbath, as well as 
the inconveniences of the journey, — a mere 



282 



APPENDIX. 



nothing compared with the love which burned 
on the altar of my heart. 

A. K. 

January 18th. — After meeting, I read the 
chapters on which we had agreed, and found 
my soul comforted. I rejoiced in the thought 
of your meeting me at the throne of grace. 
I have many mercies, and my Heavenly Father 
seems determined to melt me into his will by 
kindnesses. I would spend and be spent in 
the cause of so glorious a Benefactor. 

A. K. 

June \ 1798. — God forbid that we should 
even, for a moment say, we will stand or fall 
together in matters of religion; yet I cannot 
but think, that whenever the Lord particularly 
blesses thee, it brings me nearer to Him, by a 
spirit of humble thankfulness, than any other 
circumstance ever does. My soul melts under 
a sense of His goodness, and deeply feels that 
His ways towards us are replete with mercy. 

0, that we may be more and more united in 
Him. Our affection for each other will not by 
this union be damped, but heightened and re- 
fined by the Spirit of Truth having fuller innu- 



APPENDIX. 



283 



ence over us. May God make thee altogether such 
an one as He delights in. If trials still await 
thee, may Jesus be, as he has hitherto been, like 
the shadow of a great rock, in a weary land to 
thy soul. Thy way has been, in many instances, 
strewed with thorns; but my soul is raised in 
grateful feeling to that good Being who preserves 
thy spirit, and who has borne thee through all 
thy trials. We know not what a day may 
bring forth, nor need we anxiously concern 
ourselves about it. Outward circumstances do 
not constitute our peace, nor can outward 
thing's destroy it. If our anchor be fixed 
within the vail what storms can shake us I The 
enemies of Jesus sought to destroy Him, and 
they imagined their intent was just accom- 
plished; but how deceitful were their expecta- 
tions! At the moment their wishes seemed 
complete, He, whom they had thought their 
enemy, was, at that instant, finishing his work, 
— the great and glorious work for which He 
came into the world. And so it shall be with 
the followers of Jesus, if their enemies would 
sow for them briars and thorns, the Lord will 
cause fruitful trees to spring up in their stead. 
" They shall go out with joy, they shall be led 
forth with peace," and the face of nature, as 



284 



APPENDIX, 



well as the kingdom of grace, shall rejoice with 
them. The word of Truth assures us this will 
be the case. 

Hannah Kilham, 

July oth— I am obliged to own that melan- 
choly and lowness beset my spirits. I cannot 
tell the cause, except it is, that I see a thousand 
imperfections in myself. My judgment is 
clouded — my mind irresolute — and my affec- 
tions are far too little attracted towards the 
best objects. I sometimes feel as though I 
would mourn over everything I have ever done, 
and then sink into dejection. Pray that I may 
live to better purpose; I cannot be happy 
unless I do. I am weary of my uselessness and 
of my nothingness. 1 do not want to be raised 
in the eyes of the world, or of the church, but 
in the favour of the Lord. My soul longs for 
food from heaven, nothing else can fill the 
painful void I sometimes feel. Our mutual 
affection for each other is the greatest earthly 
blessing I possess; but this affection cannot 
fill my soul with peace, if the Lord do not shed 
the light of His countenance upon me. 

H. K. 



APPENDIX. 



285 



November, 1798. — Truly the Lord Jehovah 
is with us, the God of Jacob is our defence. 0, 
that we could praise Him for His goodness, and 
for ever adore Him for His unspeakable love. 
Surely " my lines are fallen in pleasant places, 
and I have a goodly heritage." After the 
morning preaching, I could not but weep for 
joy ; the Redeemer appeared so precious, and 
His ways so delightful. It is impossible to 
express the joy I feel in seeking the salvation 
of my fellow-creatures. 

At H I met with much unjust reproach ; 

but when I draw near to God, I find power to 
cast my case into His hands. I can appeal to 
Him that I am jealous for His adorable name, 
and desirous of promoting His praise. Labour 
is delightful when the heart is truly engaged. 

Perhaps very few have more exercises than I 
have at present • I can seldom spare more than 
five hours for sleep, and I am frequently much 
fatigued, but still I find that, " Wisdom's ways 
are ways of pleasantness." 

" It is our duty to endure hardships as 
good soldiers of Christ." It is necessary that 
we should be sifted as wheat. Jesus Christ 
however prays for us, and while we have His 
intercession before God, we shall not be left 



286 APPENDIX. 

comfortless ; " Let us go therefore without the 
camp bearing His reproach.' 5 

A. K. 

November, 1798. — The Lord seems to have 
set me in the hottest post, to endure reproach 
and shame for His sake r yet amidst all, the 
cross of Christ is precious, and I am happy in 
being accounted worthy to suffer for His sake. 
0, that I may ever do so as a Christian. I long 
to be made perfect through suffering, that God 
may be glorified in my life and death. When 
1 am fully engaged in preaching or writing, 
my soul rejoices to run its course. I am 
conscious the Lord requires me to take the 
steps I am now pursuing, and therefore my 
heart rejoices, and my joy is frequently un- 
speakable and full of glory. 

A. K. 



Reflections on various Subjects, copied from 
H. Killiam's Papers. 

I. "It is not past resolutions, but the present 
subjugation of the soul to a higher power that 
prevents us from falling into trifling folly. 



APPENDIX. 



287 



2. "Let all who would do good to their 
fellow-creatures secure their own independence 
by contracting their wants. 

3. "To encourage an opinion of any one 
which is too favourable to be consistent with 
truth, in order to avoid a painful feeling, is in a 
measure to sacrifice what is eternally valuable ; 
to the enjoyment of present ease and grati- 
fication. c I will think well of people because 
it is pleasant to think well of them,' is very 
decidedly opposed to that prayer, c Only seeing 
in Thy light f 

4. " In receiving the communications of 
goodness, in imparting those communications as 
directed, and in uniting with goodness wherever 
we behold and feel it, the end of our ex- 
istence is promoted ; in this alone, we enjoy 
that happiness which is worthy the name of 
happiness. 

5. "A good man will, I believe, suspend his 
judgment, where he feels he has only his own 
spirit in which to decide. He will wait for 
the influences of the pure eternal Truth, and 
his conclusions will be no further determinate, 
than as he apprehends himself sensible of the 
power of that Divine principle on his mind. 

6. " In judging and in acting, I believe 



288 



APPENDIX. 



those who are truly Christian, will seek not 
to do their own will, but the will of their 
Divine Master. They will wait and watch for 
direction from Him, and will be afraid to move 
except by His command and guidance. 

7. " Pure, enlightened, and strong affection 
leads us to desire the present and eternal good 
of its object. The love of God is infinitely 
pure, enlightened and great. He hateth 
nothing which He hath made! 

8. " Finite beings as we are, is it possible 
that we can have more than a negative idea of 
infinite duration? Have we in the Scriptures 
any word which conveys more than a negative 
idea of eternity ? 

9. " The different powers and dispositions 
of men and their various degrees of advance- 
ment in truth, cause them to dissent from each 
other in modes of worship, and in many other 
things. 

10. " Christians must obey the command of 
their Divine Master; they must give them- 
selves up for the good of mankind. In thus 
living in the spirit of sacrifice, they will not 
only experience the returns of joy and peace 
resulting from obedience to Him, but they will 
find it is their happiness to have the dearest 



APPENDIX. 



289 



and best affections of the soul called into 
exercise. 

11. " May we not be resting too much in 
negatives % 

12. " There is in the world a grievous per- 
version of Christian doctrine, and many are 
more ready to acknowledge in words the mercy 
that spares and saves, than to seek a conformity 
to the Heavenly will in the daily life and con- 
versation. 

13. "Many there are, alas! much more 
ready to acknowledge the corruption of human 
nature, than willing and watchful to submit 
to that redeeming Power by which the cor- 
ruption shall be overcome. Can this dwelling 
on the dark side, enable us to grow in grace 
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. 0 ! that those who profess to 
have their hope in that redemption that can 
save from all iniquity, would call the attention 
of men to that Divine light and power, the 
influence of which should be seen in the whole 
tenor of our conduct and conversation ; ' By 
their fruits shall ye know them.' 

14. " There are some circumstances in which 
individuals are called to the exercise of what 
may be termed heroic virtue, and whatever 

2 B 



2 9© 



APPENDIX, 



is the call, it must be obeyed. In other cir- 
cumstances, perhaps nothing outwardly striking 
to observers, may be required; yet, where 
obedience to the Divine principle is evinced, 
there is acceptance; and the conduct resulting 
from obedience to that principle will have a 
beneficial effect in society, whether the channel- 
have a more silent or a more visible course. 

15. " We have no right to abuse the tene- 
ment which is given for the immortal spirit to 
inhabit, or to eat and to drink that which is 
not favourable to its well-being. 

16. "What is there to be desired in com- 
parison with feeling the guidance and doing 
the will of our Father Who is in heaven ? It 
is He alone Who can rightly direct ! And 
is there not a seed of living feeling arising in 
our Society that is called, and will be called, 
to spread itself abroad far and near 1 \ The 
life is more than raiment." Ah ! then, let us 
seek to be fed with the life, and guard against 
outward distraction of whatever kind. We, 
too, may rest in form, and not maintain the 
spiritual exercise, the inward watch, and dedi- 
cation. 

17. " Christ the Alpha and Omega. In the 
knowledge of His all-subduing power is our 



APPENDIX. 



291 



greatest strength; and in that denial of self, 
to which the experimental knowledge of his 
power will lead, is our greatest happiness. 

18. "Shall we choose our own ways ? Who 
that calls himself a disciple of Christ can 
apprehend himself at liberty to do this ? Shall 
He not do what He will with His own ? Shall 
He not direct them to devote the time, the 
talents, both mental, spiritual, and worldly, 
which He has committed to them ? Shall He 
not direct those talents to the promotion of 
His glory, in the improvement and happiness of 
His creatures, how, and when, and where he 
sees it best 1 And what if some are called, in 
pursuing these objects, to quit the bosom of a 
family to which they are bound by ties of the 
closest and tenderest affection ? Has not He 
who gave them these blessings, an undoubted 
right to appoint that degree of suspension of 
their enjoyment which absence calls for, as much 
as He has a right to call from this world the 
endeared relations of parent, wife, or husband ? 

19. " Interesting society is very grateful, but 
we must sometimes patiently pursue the path 
of duty, whether in great or little things, with- 
out seeking for particular gratification. 

20. " If we had no combat, where would be 
the conquest ? My mind has been impressed 



292 



APPENDIX, 



with the recollection of the affecting exclama- 
tion of the ' Dairyman's Daughter' in her dying 
hour, 6 Victory, victory, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ V 

21. "It must be something beyond reason by 
•which the true disciple can be rightly guided. 
Our limited capacities are insufficient for appre- 
hending all the different circumstances of cases, 
which may influence the effects of our actions. 
He who 'leadeth the blind by a way which 
they know not,' can guide the attentive and 
obedient soul by His secret counsels. Our 
truest wisdom consists in submission and obe- 
dience to His counsels, whether or not we are 
capable of comprehending to what it is that He 
is leading us. 

22. " The grace of God should influence and 
regulate our heart and life. 

23. " The image of the Redeemer is what we 
should most value and desire. We see some- 
thing of His likeness in Christians of every sect ; 
we do not expect to see it perfect in any. I 
wish to love ail, — to unite with all j but 
especially with the most spiritual. Surely, 
0 my God ! the time is drawing nigh in which 
Thou wilt 

4 Join every soul that looks to Thee ? 
In bonds of perfect charity ! ' 



APPENDIX. 



293 



Have we not all one Father ! Arc not Thou 
our Father I Thou who art infinitely holy 
and benevolent ? 0 ! why are there so many 
divisions and subdivisions among us ? Do away 
in mercy. 0 God ' with this spirit of bitterness 
and selfishness, from those who profess to be the 
disciples of Jesus, and teach us to love one 
another in a measure of that goodness in which 
Thou loves t us all. 

24. " Christians should give one hand to that 
description of people whose principles are most 
coincident with their own : the other they 
should give to the family of Heaven, by what- 
ever name they may be called. Their love to 
mankind in general should in its degree be 
such as was their Saviour's, Who -'poured out 
His life unto death for their sakes. 5 Our writing, 
our reading, our every employment should be 
directed to glorify God. and to promote the 
good of our brethren. Christians should employ 
the powers given them in assisting their weaker 
brethren : the strong should help the weak, — 
those who are in health, the sick : the wise 
should communicate of their wisdom to those 
who are ignorant ; — those who are in the way 
of life should assist their unhappy brethren who 
know neither the way nor the truth. 



294 



APPENDIX. 



2o. " I wish I had clear views, and greater 
experience concerning the nature and degree? 
of lore. One degree of love which I observe 
some persons seem to manifest towards their 
acquaintance, is expressed in a desire to see 
them pleased and satisfied, A higher — a more 
generous affection leads those who feel it to 
seek the spiritual welfare of their friends, by 
whatever efforts it may be best promoted ; 
whether by treading through the thorny paths 
of self-denial, or by whatever means our souls 
may gain the greatest vigour. A sincere friend 
will in many things act very contrary to the 
received maxims of worldly friendship, being- 
willing even to sacrifice our love rather than 
refuse to act so as may best promote our 
eternal interests. 0 my God ! Thou source of 
every generous and great affection ! increase 
the power of genuine, heartfelt, and exalted love 
upon the earth ! How precious ! how beyond 
measure valuable is the sincere, enlightened, 
and affectionate exercise of real friendship ! 

26. " The same conduct may proceed from 
different motives. Certain things may be 
avoided which appear indifferent, from a fear 
of injuring a weaker brother, or they may be 
avoided to gain praise, — praise for a supposed 
principle not possessed. 



APPENDIX. 



29-5 



27. " There are four descriptions of persons 
who have a claim on the Church of Christ : — 
1st. the young : 2nd, those who are not in a 
capacity to act for themselves, as the sick, the 
poor, the aged and infirm : 3rd, those who are 
out of the way of life ; and, 4th, the faithful of 
different degrees. 

28. " In order to our having a right influence 
in the education of children, we should be what 
Truth will make us. and let the children see 
what we are, in the measure they are capable 
of understanding. 

29. " The way in which we find the greatest 
strength and consolation is that in which we 
have the most awakened sense of our depend- 
ence on God. First, we should live to God 
and to mankind, and in the next place, do 
what we can to add to the comfort of our par- 
ticular friends. These duties will not clash. 

30. " Should not the chief aim of all human 
governments be, to teach people to govern 
themselves I 

31. "How desirable it is that the effects of 
Divine grace should be manifested in those 
who profess themselves the followers of Jesus, 
in all the relative exercises of their spirit and 
life, that thus their light may so shine before 



296 



APPENDIX, 



men, that they may glorify our Father Who is 
in heaven. 

32. " Do all the good you can, both in person 
and by your influence, — but do not delay ; and 
wherever it is possible, do yourself what you 
would wish to be done. 

33. "A friend once observed to me that to 
resist one temptation was better than to make a 
thousand prayers. 

34. " The world in a bad state shews the 
strong taking advantage of the weak. When 
the true influence shall universally prevail, we 
shall rejoice in beholding the reverse of all 
this. Job speaking of the Almighty, says ; 
'Will he plead against me with His great 
power 1 No, He would put strength in me.' 

35. " We must wait for the Spirit. Waiting 
implies not an inactive or listless state of 
mind, but an earnest and fixed attention of 
the soul, to a Being Who alone has power to 
impart what is needful to happiness, and which 
cannot be obtained unless He bestow it. 

36. " I dread the thought of becoming like 
a person I once knew, who was much in the 
habit of visiting the sick, and attending and 
exercising in prayer-meetings, &c, and who, I 
thought, had gone a rapid round in these 



APPENDIX. 



297 



things, without directing much of her attention 
to the first object. She spoke, and prayed, and 
visited as it were mechanically, seemed well 
satisfied with herself, and took frequent oppor- 
tunities of mentioning her usefulness, but was 
so far from being fully influenced by that true 
life which qualifies for usefulness, that when 
asked on one occasion the state of her mind 
in a class-meeting, of which she was the leader, 
she answered, ' 1 have really so much to do in 
regard to visiting the sick, &c, that I have 
hardly time to think of my own soul.' The 
recollection of this character makes me fear 
lest I should be acting in the same way. I 
wish in visiting the sick to have my heart 
influenced by the spirit of true benevolence 
and compassion, and not to go merely from 
thinking that it is my duty to go, and therefore 
I must go. What are works and duties, unless 
they spring from the true source ? 

37. " There is an energy, a dignity in simple 
truth, which makes it manifest to all, except 
to lovers of darkness, that it comes from God. 

38. "To every soul in whom the love of God 
dwells, the most precious object of desire is the 
prosperity and extension of the church — the 
body of Christ. These will not be satisfied in 

he thought of the church being a secluded, 



298 



APPENDIX. 



happy people, but will breathe the spirit of 
Him Who had compassion on the multi- 
tudes, because they were as sheep haying no 
shepherd.' 

39. " There is a chain which I have no desire 
to break, which leads from the poorest — the 
most wretched and worst of mankind, to the 
friend of publicans and sinners. 

40. " Order, like every other good thing, 
must be the result of conviction : no plans or 
rules, however excellent, will effect its attain- 
ment without a principle which is sufficiently 
powerful to produce the desired effect of order, 
and to cause us to abide in it. 

41. Union with the God of truth should 
be our aim, not union with particular sects of 
Christians. In proportion as that object is 
attained, it will truly regulate all the rest. 

12. " Happiness implies in its attributes, 
liveliness in our affections, order in our con- 
duct, and energy in our pursuits. 

43. " How readily will many persons acknow- 
ledge truth, even truth which reproves them; 
yet of what use is such an acknowledgment, 
while at the same time they will resist, sophis- 
ticate, and evade any truth applied to the 
reproof of their own spirit and conduct ? It 
is as though a man would acknowledge (be- 



APPENDIX. 



299 



cause he cannot deny it) that the shining of the 
sun gives light, whilst at the same time, he 
either shuts his eyes against it, or encloses 
himself in the darkest part of the house, there 
to pursue his work. 

44. " Our wants are claims for mutual 
kindness. 

4-5. " Corporal punishment may be needful 
sometimes for the idle, for by this disease of 
slothfulness, the mind may he brought into a 
state so torpid and insensible, as to receive no 
impressions but those of which the body is the 
medium. 

46. " Important duties should not make us 
inattentive to lesser things. We should dis- 
charge every duty with all our energy, and 
we shall gain greater vigour and peace in our 
souls by thus fulfilling the will of God. If we 
act otherwise, we heap up food for sorrow to 
mingle with our joy. 

47. " The true church consists not of all who 
profess religious experience, nor of all who are 
united in professing societies, but of those 
whose tempers and conduct, whose hearts and 
lives, are brought under the influence of the 
Spirit of Christ. 

48. " Self-denial is the energy of virtue, for 



300 



APPENDIX. 



we cannot be strong in goodness, while we are 
in bondage to ourselves. 

49. " Let the souls who have been in bondage 
through fear ; take courage and be thankful, 
rememberings that all suffering is under the 
control of a Being infinitely wise and good, 
who can say to misery of every kind — c Thus 
far shalt thou go and no farther.' 

50. " Is not everything, which has the show 
of worship, but which is not a drawing near to 
God in spirit and in truth, idolatry ? Do 
not such worship an imaginary being, and 
whether it be in the mountain, or at Jerusalem, 
is not our Saviours reprehension applicable 
to them, when he says — ' Ye worship ye know 
not what.' 

51. "If my spirit were more fully Thine, 0 
God ! I know that I should feel more for the 
desolations of Zion. 

52. " It appears to me, that the greatest 
obstruction to the welfare and advancement of 
society, is the want of that combination of feel- 
ing that seeks the good of every part ; and 
that comprehensiveness of view that will not 
overlook the nearest, nor disregard the most 
distant object that claims its care. 

53. " Is it not almost time that some tes- 



APPENDIX. 



301 



timony should be published and freely circu- 
lated among professing Christians, tending to 
counteract the mistaken views that are at 
times evinced on the awful subject of pure 
and undefiled religion ? Alas ! with how little 
of reverential feeling are subjects of this kind 

, often mentioned by some who would be thought 

religious, and who on some occasions are mak- 
ing great professions ! Pure religion originates 
in the influence of the Spirit of Christ on the 
heart, and induces that feeling which desires 
c Glory to God in the highest, and on earth 
peace, good-will toward men !' It feels for all, 
— desires the good of all ; yet knowing the 
limited nature of human power, it seeks the 
guidance and direction of Him in Whom there 

{. is light and life, — a light which is the life of 

man, an influence which dispels the darkness, 
— an animating power which strengthens the 
weakness of our nature, and under the influ- 
ence of which the mind is imbued with love, 
joy, peace, gentleness and goodness. 

54r. " In family meetings the Scriptures and 
other religious writings are used as mediums 
of religious instruction ; nor is there any pro- 
hibition in our principles against such a prac- 
tice on a larger scale. Yet in those which are 

2c 



302 



APPENDIX. 



avowedly meetings for worship, no outward 
act as inciting to devotional feeling, or as 
conveying religious instruction is considered a 
requisite for the performance of this solemn 
duty. The object of worship is spiritual, and 
if we obey the injunction, 6 Be still, and know 
that I am God f we shall be brought into a 
feeling which acknowledges His sovereignty, 
and which is subjected to His will. 

55. " It is religious feeling, and religious 
conduct, — not forced talk about religion, — that 
are to be desired in the world. 

56. " True religion is productive of real 
benevolence, and the lowest of a good man's 
servants is regarded with kind oversight, while 
his comfort and respectability are considered. 

57. " How much are the enjoyments of the 
mind superior to all animal pleasures ! and 
how much more earnestly should they be 
desired and sought. 

58. " It is not, as some profess, the love of 
our own country, but rather the want of love 
towards other countries, that is the excitement 
to war. 

59. " Meeting-days ought to be seasons of 
deep feeling. Are we not in danger of too 
much taking up of a passive rest from worldly 



APPENDIX. 



303 



cares, without earnestly seeking that rest 
which remains for the people of God % 

60. " There is a very essential difference 
between stooping to the untaught and rebellious, 
and sinking to their level. 

61. " The countenances, as well as the 
actions of those who superintend children, are 
often insensibly assumed by them. It is, 
therefore, of more importance than many would 
think, that children should have those about 
them whose dispositions are good, and whose 
countenances are expressive of what is kind 
and agreeable. 

62. " Particular attention should be given 
to the best system of early instruction for little 
children in the principles of Christianity, and 
they should be taught, also, that they are not to 
live to themselves. 

63. " The nearer we come to real simplicity 
in meetings for religious instruction, doubtless, 
the better. Let none be led into insincere 
expressions. People should be willing to obey 
if they profess to sacrifice, and the mind should 
bow, if we profess to bend the knee. It is 
not a negation in these things that will serve ; 
we may forbear to use forms, and at the same 
time, forbear to seek the power, and rest in 



304 



APPENDIX. 



something r far short of the prevalence of the 
life. Where, then, shall we find the path in 
which even the most untaught may be best 
guarded from right and left-hand errors ? Is 
it not in the sincere use of such outward aids 
to devotional feeling as will not lead to a vio- 
lation of truth, and in a watchful direction of 
the mind towards the Fountain of life ] 

64. "Without a deeply devoted mind, how 
fearful are the consequences of living at ease, 
and in outward enjoyment! The afflictions of 
Joseph are then too much forgotten. 

65. " To worship God in spirit is, we are 
told, the alone true and acceptable worship, and 
doubtless, it is the highest engagement of the 
human mind. How, then, can any imagine 
that it is to be just entered upon at will, what- 
ever be the habit of mind, or its general state. 
Let us plainly avow this, that true worship is 
an engagement that requires a preparation of 
mind, that must be sought from Him Who is 
the source of goodness. Still, aids to devotional 
feeling may be adopted, — such aids as do not 
profess to be more than they are, and therefore 
not inconsistent with truth, — that truth which 
in all circumstances, is required by the Searcher 
of hearts, in this most awful and high engage- 
ment of sacred worship. 



APPENDIX, 



305 



66. " There are two ways in which applica- 
tions for benevolent objects are received. One 
class of persons will say, 'Tell me wbat I can 
do to advance the cause of religion and hu- 
manity.' — The other, ' Let me consider how I 
can plead against the proposed application.' 

67. "I have longed that the hope expressed 
by T. Clarkson, in his Illustrations of Peace, 
' That human animosities are not to be eternal/ 
may be more generally felt, and that this and 
other exemplifications of the principles of peace 
may be freely circulated in tracts. Peace, not 
merely as a political advantage, but as a Chris- 
tian principle arising from love to God and love 
to man. 

68. " I believe it would be well, on the eve 
of the Sabbath, or after a meeting for religious 
worship, to ask, how have my thoughts and 
feelings been engaged? Have I been bowed in 
spirit before the Most High, supplicating for 
ability and help from His heavenly power, and 
seeking to worship him in "spirit and in truth V 

69. "It would be well to recommend to the 
distributors of religious tracts, to read with 
attention those of the deeper class, and have 
their own minds thus imbued with the import- 
ant truths to which they would call the atten- 
tion of others. 



3U(5 



A^Pi^j^IX. 



70. " As we have the highest authority for 
singing on some occasions, I cannot by any 
means consider it as in itself a condemnable 
practice, but only in its abuse, — in its being- 
connected with the profession of unfelt ex- 
perience, and often with a most unholy and 
unharmonious state of mind. 

71. " The belief or disbelief of any point of 
Christian doctrine, cannot affect the reality. 
Truth is of Divine, and not of human origin. 

72. " To adore in silence, or only in the lan- 
guage which the Divine power inspires, is doubt- 
less the highest state of feeling to which the 
mind of man can attain. Yet in the outward 
profession of spiritual worship, without the 
living exercise, there is but an empty shell, 
which contains no fruit. 

73. "There is a healthful, strengthening, and 
salutary feeling in order, — order as to occupa- 
tion and the timing and placing of things, make 
way for much that is good, although it is not 
everything in itself. There is however a pos- 
sibility of over-estimating these arrangements, 
and substituting attention to them in the place 
of a watchful oversight of the whole mind and 
conduct." ^ j 





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